In a groundbreaking move for women’s professional tennis, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund have announced a new initiative to provide maternity and child family planning benefits to players. This program represents a significant shift in the landscape of women’s sports, offering support that has long been sought after by athletes in the tennis world.
Under this new program, eligible players will receive up to 12 months of paid maternity leave and will have access to grants covering fertility conception and egg freezing treatments. The WTA estimates that 320 players will benefit from these provisions. Portia Archer, CEO of the WTA, expressed the importance of this initiative, stating that it will give current and future players the flexibility to explore family life while continuing their careers.
A Transformative Partnership in Women’s Sports
This innovative program, known as the PIF WTA maternity fund, is a pioneering initiative in women’s sports, fully funded and supported by an external partner. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has partnered with the WTA in an effort to expand its investment into sports, aiming to promote positive change within the industry. The exact contribution from PIF to this program has not been disclosed, but both organizations have emphasized that players will be compensated equally.
The partnership between PIF and the WTA has not been without controversy, as Saudi Arabia’s track record on human rights issues has drawn criticism from some current and former players. The new maternity policy may serve as a way for PIF to showcase its commitment to change, particularly to U.S. tennis fans who have raised concerns about the Kingdom’s practices. Alanoud Althonayan, head of events and sponsorships at PIF, highlighted the partnership’s goal of leaving a lasting impact on a global scale through sports.
A Career-Changing Opportunity
Former WTA No. 1 player Kim Clijsters, a PIF Ambassador, reflected on her own experience with motherhood in professional tennis, noting the lack of support she faced in 2008 when she had her daughter. Clijsters expressed optimism about the impact of the new program, believing it will be a transformative opportunity for many players. The initiative aligns with recent advancements in maternity benefits in professional women’s sports, such as the Women’s National Basketball Association and FIFA, demonstrating a growing recognition of the importance of supporting athletes during life-changing events.
Victoria Azarenka, a former top-ranked player and advocate for maternity benefits in tennis, welcomed the announcement as a significant milestone. Since becoming a mother in 2016, Azarenka has been a vocal proponent of increased support for players balancing their careers and family life. As a member of the players’ council, Azarenka has worked to push for improved benefits within the sport, emphasizing the lasting impact that programs like this can have for future generations.
“This marks the beginning of a meaningful shift in how we support women in tennis, making it easier for athletes to pursue both their careers and their aspirations of starting a family,” Azarenka remarked. “Ensuring that programs like this exist has been a personal mission of mine, and I’m excited to see the lasting impact it will have for generations to come.”
The introduction of paid maternity leave and family planning benefits in professional women’s tennis represents a significant milestone in the ongoing conversation around athlete support and equality in sports. As the sport continues to evolve, initiatives like the PIF WTA maternity fund signal a positive step forward for women athletes around the world, setting a new standard for inclusivity and empowerment.
