Female tennis players granted WTA ranking protection during fertility procedures

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The WTA will now protect the rankings of female tennis pros who take time away from competition to undergo fertility protection procedures, the tour announced Wednesday. 

The player-led measure will allow female tennis players to use a special entry ranking (SER) for up to three tournaments if they choose to undergo a "fertility protection procedure such as egg or embryo freezing." 

A shadow of a player at the French Open in Paris. (iStock)

"By introducing this new form of ranking protection, the WTA helps to support and empower women athletes to balance a professional sports career with planning and starting a family at a time of their choice," the tour said in a news release Wednesday. 

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The new measure adds to the WTA’s Family Focus Program, which already includes ranking protection during pregnancies or other means of parenthood and postpartum support. It also follows the WTA’s announcement in March that tennis players on tour can receive 12 months of paid maternity leave. 

"I’m incredibly proud of our sport in recognizing the importance of fertility treatments for female athletes," 2017 U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens said in a statement provided by the tour. 

Sloane Stephens returns a ball to Greet Minnen (not pictured) during first round play at Sobeys Stadium Aug. 6, 2024. (John E. Sokolowski/USA Today Sports)

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"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