Sloane Stephens has welcomed the new rule Female tennis players who wish to freeze eggs or embryos, so they can start a family at a later date, will have their ranking protected by the WTA Tour. The offer is open to any player ranked in the world's top 750 who spends more than 10 weeks out of competition. The 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens says the rule will reduce the pressure on players to return to the court too quickly. The 32-year-old, who has won eight WTA tournaments, told BBC Sport she has twice previously used the off-season to freeze her eggs. "The first time I did it, I rushed back and I was overweight and not happy - and just very stressed out," she said. "The second time I did it I took a totally different approach so I could just be in better shape: I could have the surgery, I could have more time to recover. "So having the protected ranking there, so that players don't feel forced to come back early and risk their health again, is the best thing possible." Players who undergo fertility treatment will be able to use their special ranking to enter up to three tournaments within 10 weeks of their return. The special ranking will be an average of a player's ranking over a 12-week period before and during their leave. Players will not, however, be able to use this ranking to enter one of the WTA's premier 1000 events, as the tour wants to encourage players to undertake the procedure at a quieter time of the season. "It's all trial and error, everyone's body is different," Stephens added. "Someone might be out for three months, someone might be out for one week. "Some people gain a tonne of weight, some people can go back immediately. I think when you are family planning, it's better if you have that support." Stephens says she was a strong advocate for such a measure when a member of the WTA Players' Council, and the tour's chief executive Portia Archer confirms the move was player-led. "It was very much at the instigation of the players," she said. "We want to really help players address this conundrum where peak athletic performance coincides with the time period of peak fertility, so players are often faced with this tough choice of how to really maximise and optimise those years." Grants have also recently been made available towards the cost of any fertility treatment, and earlier this year the WTA introduced paid maternity leave for the first time. More than 320 players are now eligible for up to 12 months paid leave - with everyone receiving the same amount, irrespective of their ranking. Returning to the tour after maternity leave started to become easier when the WTA changed the rules before the 2019 season. New mothers are able to use their previous ranking to enter 12 tournaments over a three-year period from the birth of their child. The WTA also offers access to a health team, which offers physical assessments, mental health support and guidance on a staged return to play for new mothers and pregnant players. Tennis is not the first sport to offer support to women wishing to freeze their eggs, with the American basketball league the WNBA offering up to $60,000 (£52,500) reimbursement to players for fertility treatment including egg freezing. High-profile athletes have spoken about their decision to freeze their eggs, including England cricket captainNat Sciver-Bruntand former England netballer Geva Mentor.
Players to get ranking protection after freezing eggs
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"WTA Introduces Ranking Protection for Players Freezing Eggs"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has implemented a new rule that allows female players to freeze their eggs or embryos while ensuring their rankings are protected during their time away from the sport. This initiative is available to any player ranked within the top 750 who takes more than ten weeks off due to fertility treatments. Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, has expressed her support for the rule, stating that it alleviates the pressure on athletes to return to competition prematurely. She shared her personal experiences of freezing her eggs twice during the off-season, highlighting the stress and physical challenges she faced in her initial attempts to balance her health and career. By allowing players to have a protected ranking, the WTA aims to promote a healthier approach to family planning, enabling athletes to focus on recovery without the fear of losing their competitive standing in the sport.
The new ranking protection policy permits players undergoing fertility treatments to enter up to three tournaments within ten weeks after their return, based on a special ranking calculated from their performance over a 12-week period prior to their leave. However, this ranking cannot be used for WTA Premier 1000 events, encouraging athletes to plan these procedures during less competitive times. Portia Archer, the WTA's chief executive, confirmed that this player-led initiative addresses the challenge many female athletes face, where peak athletic performance often coincides with peak fertility years. This move is part of a broader effort by the WTA to support women in sports, which includes grants for fertility treatments and paid maternity leave for up to 12 months for eligible players. The WTA's commitment to providing resources for female athletes parallels similar initiatives in other sports, such as the WNBA, which offers significant reimbursements for fertility treatments, showcasing a growing recognition of the unique challenges faced by female athletes in balancing family planning with their professional careers.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent announcement by the WTA Tour regarding the protection of rankings for female players who choose to freeze their eggs or embryos marks a significant shift in the sport. This change has been welcomed by players like Sloane Stephens, who have firsthand experience with the pressures of balancing a professional career and family planning. The new rule aims to alleviate some of the stress and health risks associated with a rushed return to competition after undergoing fertility treatment.
Impact on Player Well-being
The primary focus of this announcement is the mental and physical well-being of female athletes. By allowing players to freeze their eggs or embryos without the added pressure of losing their ranking, the WTA is acknowledging the unique challenges faced by women in sports. Sloane Stephens' personal testimony reinforces the idea that having support in family planning can lead to better performance and health outcomes.
Community Perception
This move is likely to be perceived positively within the tennis community and beyond, as it highlights a progressive approach to women's health in sports. It reflects a growing recognition of the need for policies that support female athletes in their personal choices, fostering a more inclusive atmosphere.
Transparency and Hidden Agendas
While the announcement seems transparent, one could question whether it serves as a distraction from other pressing issues within the sport, such as pay equity or mental health resources. However, there is no immediate indication that this is the case, as the initiative appears to be player-led and focused on well-being.
Comparative Analysis
When compared to other sports organizations, the WTA's decision places it at the forefront of progressive policy-making regarding female athletes. This could encourage other sports leagues to adopt similar measures, potentially influencing broader societal norms around women's health and career planning.
Potential Societal Implications
The decision could create a ripple effect in society, encouraging more discussions about women's health and family planning in high-pressure careers. It may lead to increased support for women in various fields, promoting a culture that values work-life balance.
Supportive Communities
This initiative is likely to resonate particularly with women in sports, advocates for women's rights, and health professionals. It speaks to communities focused on family planning and reproductive health, creating an avenue for increased dialogue about these issues.
Market Impact
In terms of financial implications, companies involved in reproductive health technologies could see increased attention and investment. This news could influence stock prices in health-related sectors as the topic gains traction, particularly for businesses focusing on fertility solutions.
Geopolitical Context
While the announcement itself may not have direct geopolitical implications, it contributes to a broader narrative of women's rights and gender equality in sports, which is a significant topic worldwide. As such, it aligns with ongoing discussions about gender equity across various domains.
AI Involvement
There is no clear evidence that artificial intelligence was used in the crafting of this news piece, but elements of AI could be present in the data analysis or research stages that informed the article. The structure and tone seem to reflect a human touch, focusing on personal narratives rather than purely statistical reporting.
In conclusion, the WTA's new rule about ranking protection for players undergoing fertility treatment demonstrates a thoughtful approach to athlete well-being. It signifies a progressive step forward in the sports industry, though it may also raise questions about other underlying issues within the sport. The reliability of the news appears strong, given its focus on player experiences and the support from the governing body.