The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has introduced the PIF WTA Maternity Fund Program, which will provide benefits to over 320 eligible players, the organization announced in a statement.
For the first time, WTA players will receive paid maternity leave for up to 12 months. The program also offers financial support for fertility treatments and additional benefits. However, to qualify for payments, players must participate in a set number of WTA tournaments within a specific period.
Swiss Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic, who returned to the WTA Tour after giving birth to her daughter Bella last April, praised the initiative.
“This is absolutely the best news,” Bencic said after her first-round victory at Indian Wells. “We are very proud that the WTA is leading the way in women’s sports with this program. It’s especially great for lower-ranked players who struggle financially while taking time off to have a family and then returning to competition.”
Bencic, who won her first title since returning from maternity leave in Abu Dhabi in February, noted the increasing presence of mothers on the tour, including her opponent Tatjana Maria.
“There are so many moms on the tour now,” she added. “We’re proving that it’s possible to have a baby and still compete at a high level.”
A Step Forward for Women in Tennis
Two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka, a WTA players’ council representative, called the initiative “the beginning of a meaningful shift” in how female athletes are supported.
“This has been a personal mission of mine,” said Azarenka, who gave birth to a son in 2016. “This program makes it easier for women to pursue both their careers and their dreams of starting a family.”
WTA CEO Portia Archer emphasized the importance of flexibility for players.
“This initiative will provide current and future generations with the support they need to explore family life in any way they choose,” she said.
Several top players have taken breaks from their careers for motherhood, with varying levels of success upon their return. The WTA reports that 25 active players on tour are mothers.
Belgian star Kim Clijsters won three Grand Slam titles—the US Open in 2009 and 2010 and the Australian Open in 2011—after giving birth to her daughter in 2008. She followed in the footsteps of Australian legends Margaret Court and Evonne Goolagong, who also won major titles as mothers.
However, Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, did not claim another major title after giving birth in September 2017, despite reaching four Grand Slam finals. Meanwhile, four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka returned to competition in early 2024 after giving birth to a daughter, with her best result so far being a runner-up finish in Auckland in January.
Saudi Arabia, which has faced criticism over its record on women’s rights, has been increasing its investment in tennis. The country hosted the WTA Finals for the first time in Riyadh last November as part of a multi-year partnership with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). Saudi Arabia is also set to host the WTA Finals in 2025 and 2026.
Related topics:
