Top 750 WTA players to receive protected ranking for fertility procedures

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"WTA Introduces Protected Rankings for Players Undergoing Fertility Treatments"

Top 750 WTA players to receive protected ranking for fertility procedures analysis cover image The Guardian 8.1
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jun/11/top-750-wta-players-to-receive-protected-ranking-for-fertility-procedures
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TruthLens AI Summary

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has announced new rules that will allow tennis players ranked within the top 750 to receive a protected ranking when they take time off to undergo fertility procedures, such as egg or embryo freezing. This initiative includes the introduction of a Special Entry Ranking (SER) that enables affected players to enter up to three tournaments during their absence. The SER will be calculated based on the player’s average ranking over a 12-week period prior to and during their time away from the sport, and it can be utilized for tournaments up to WTA 500 events. This change reflects a growing acknowledgment of the challenges female athletes face in balancing their professional careers with family planning, as more players choose to prioritize their fertility during their athletic journeys.

The WTA has been increasingly responsive to the needs of its players, having previously introduced paid maternity leave for those who take time off to give birth. Under current regulations, players can use their previous ranking to enter twelve tournaments over a three-year period following childbirth. Notable players, such as Sloane Stephens, have spoken out about their personal experiences with fertility treatments and the importance of creating a supportive environment for athletes making such decisions. Stephens emphasized the significance of the new ruling, highlighting that it allows female athletes to focus on their health and family planning without the pressure of jeopardizing their careers. This groundbreaking policy aims to empower both current and future generations of female tennis players, fostering a culture where they can pursue their personal and professional aspirations without compromise.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The recent announcement from the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) regarding protected rankings for players undergoing fertility procedures highlights a significant shift towards supporting female athletes in balancing their professional careers with personal life decisions. This development not only reflects societal changes surrounding family planning but also aims to empower female tennis players by providing them with practical support during a crucial time in their lives.

Support for Players’ Choices

The new rules allow players ranked within the top 750 to have a Special Entry Ranking (SER) while they take time off for fertility treatments. This initiative recognizes the growing trend of women in sports choosing to prioritize family planning alongside their athletic careers. The WTA's decision to implement this is a direct response to players advocating for more inclusive policies that support their needs outside of tennis.

Implications for Athlete Welfare

This change is indicative of a broader movement within sports toward acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges faced by female athletes. By allowing players to maintain a competitive ranking while focusing on fertility, the WTA is fostering an environment where athletes can make personal choices without the fear of jeopardizing their professional standing. The inclusion of paid maternity leave earlier this year further emphasizes the WTA's commitment to supporting players who wish to start families.

Perception and Community Response

The announcement is likely to generate a positive perception within the tennis community and among fans, as it demonstrates a progressive stance on women's issues. Athletes like Sloane Stephens have openly discussed their experiences with fertility treatments, which may encourage others to share their stories and advocate for similar policies across different sports. The WTA's actions could lead to an increase in support from various communities that value gender equity and athlete welfare.

Potential Economic and Social Impact

While the direct economic implications of this announcement may be limited, the broader effect could influence sponsorships and partnerships within the sport. Brands may see value in aligning with an organization that prioritizes female empowerment, potentially leading to increased investment in women's tennis. Furthermore, this policy could have ripple effects in other professional sports, prompting similar organizations to adopt supportive measures for their female athletes.

Trustworthiness and Manipulation

The article appears to convey factual information regarding the WTA's new policy. However, the narrative may subtly aim to position the organization in a favorable light, highlighting their responsiveness to player needs. This could be perceived as a form of manipulation, as the emphasis on positive changes might overshadow ongoing issues within the sport regarding gender equality and representation.

In conclusion, this announcement serves to reinforce the WTA's commitment to supporting female athletes while also addressing the societal shifts towards family planning. By providing a protective measure for athletes undergoing fertility treatments, the WTA is setting a precedent that could inspire further changes in sports governance.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jun/11/top-750-wta-players-to-receive-protected-ranking-for-fertility-procedures

Tennis players who choose to take time off in order to undergo fertility protection procedures, such as egg or embryo freezing, will be permitted to receive a protected ranking according to new rules announced by the Women’sTennisAssociation.

Players ranked inside the top 750 on the WTA who undergo fertility procedures will be eligible to receive a Special Entry Ranking (SER) allowing them to enter up to three tournaments. The SER will be calculated using their average ranking during a 12-week period before and during their absence and can be used up to WTA 500 events.

A growing number of players are opting to take time away from the sport in order to give birth or actively plan their families during their careers. At the urging of the players, over the past few years the WTA has taken significant steps towards addressing these issues, helping to provide players with options to plan their families while competing at the highest level.

Earlier this year, the organisation announced that it would offer players paid maternity leave. Those who take time away from the tour to give birth are also able to use their previous ranking to enter 12 tournaments over three years from the birth of their child.

Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, has twice used the short tennis off-season to freeze her eggs. “During my first retrieval cycle, I ended up gaining around 20lbs due to hormones and taking a break from training that, going forward, I would be more aware of and plan differently for my next cycle this off-season,” the Americantold Essence last year.

“It is also important to rest and not over-exert yourself, at the risk of developing ovarian torsion or other complications, so I had to really plan out my training blocks and off-season to make it all happen. Because of this, I am really passionate about introducing protected rankings for players undergoing fertility treatments so that they can feel supported in making decisions for themselves and properly caring for their bodies without rushing back out of fear of ranking points or career setbacks. “

In a statement on Wednesday, Stephens hailed the WTA’s new ruling: “I’m incredibly proud of our sport in recognising the importance of fertility treatments for female athletes. For any woman, the conversation of family life versus a career is nuanced and complex. The WTA has now created a safe space for players to explore options and to make the best decisions for themselves. It’s truly groundbreaking and will empower this generation, and future generations of players, to continue with the sport they love without having to compromise.”

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Source: The Guardian