The Women’s Tennis Association has introduced a Fertility Protection Special Entry Ranking Rule that provides ranking protection for players who take time away from competition for fertility procedures such as egg or embryo freezing. The rule allows athletes to maintain their competitive standing while undergoing fertility treatments.
Under the new rule, eligible players receive a Special Entry Ranking (SER) that can be used to enter up to three tournaments, based on the 12-week average of their WTA ranking from eight weeks prior to their out-of-competition period. This protection enables players to return to professional tennis without losing their competitive position due to time away for fertility procedures.
“I’m incredibly proud of our sport in recognizing the importance of fertility treatments for female athletes,” said Sloane Stephens, winner of eight WTA singles titles. “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.”
The fertility protection rule expands the WTA’s existing Family Focus Program, which already includes ranking protection during pregnancy and postpartum support for return to play. The comprehensive program also provides paid maternity leave and grants for fertility protection through the PIF WTA Maternity Fund.
The rule development was championed by WTA players who sought support for proactive family planning options that wouldn’t compromise their professional careers. Professional female athletes often face timing pressures between peak competitive years and optimal fertility periods, creating difficult choices about career and family planning.
“We understand that professional athletes can face a dilemma between focusing on their career and starting a family, and we are committed to supporting WTA players as they navigate and balance the choices associated with career and family,” said Portia Archer, WTA CEO.
The fertility protection measure addresses specific challenges female athletes face when considering family planning during their competitive careers. Unlike male athletes, women have biological time constraints that can conflict with peak performance years, making fertility preservation a strategic consideration for career longevity.
The WTA’s approach represents a progressive stance on supporting female athletes’ reproductive choices while maintaining competitive integrity. The organization also provides support for players’ physical and emotional wellbeing through dedicated health and wellness professionals.
