Female tennis players who decide to freeze their eggs will no longer drop in the rankings due to the inactivity associated with this.
The WTA Tour has added another point to its program for professional female tennis players to help them better balance work and family life.
Players who have their eggs or fertilized eggs removed and frozen will no longer drop in the world rankings due to the inactivity on the tour following the procedures.
This rule applies to players ranked 1 to 750 in the world rankings in singles and doubles who do not compete for at least ten consecutive weeks due to a “fertility protection procedure.”
Former US Open winner welcomes new rule
This secure ranking will enable athletes to return to the tour after completing their treatment and participate in high-level tournaments.
Former US Open winner Sloane Stephens, who says she has already had her eggs frozen twice during the off-season, emphasized that she is “incredibly proud of our sport for recognizing the importance of fertility treatment for female athletes.”
Balancing “between family and career is a complex issue for every woman,” she said. “The WTA has now created a safe space for players to explore options and make the best decisions for themselves.”
