The Saudi Arabian PIF will finance the WTA Maternity Fund, offering up to 12 months of paid maternity leave and fertility treatment grants to over 320 eligible players. This initiative aims to support female athletes balancing their careers and families, marking a significant development in women’s tennis. Notable players like Belinda Bencic and Victoria Azarenka have welcomed this change, highlighting its potential benefits.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is initiating a significant program to provide paid maternity leave for female tennis players on the WTA circuit, as officially announced on Thursday. This program, known as the PIF WTA Maternity Fund, will offer maternity leave of up to 12 months to eligible players, impacting over 320 athletes according to the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).
In addition to maternity leave, the program will include grants for fertility treatments, supporting players who wish to build families. To be eligible for these benefits, players must participate in a requisite number of WTA tournaments within a specified timeframe. Belinda Bencic, an Olympic gold medalist, praised this initiative, emphasizing its significance for women in sports.
Bencic stated, “It’s great for everyone who is considering to have a family and come back… especially also the lower-ranked players that have to survive somehow when they are not playing for a year and a half.” This sentiment highlights the importance of this policy for players facing financial instability during maternity.
Victoria Azarenka, a representative for the WTA players’ council and a two-time Grand Slam champion, welcomed the program, noting it marks a positive change in the tennis landscape, facilitating career and family aspirations. WTA CEO Portia Archer echoed these sentiments, stating that the initiative aims to provide current and future players the flexibility to start families.
The WTA reports that 25 active players are currently mothers, and historical examples show that players have had varying degrees of success after returning to the sport following childbirth. For instance, Kim Clijsters won multiple Grand Slam titles post-maternity, while Serena Williams faced challenges. Despite mixed outcomes, the introduction of maternity leave aims to support women’s careers in tennis.
Despite previous criticisms regarding women’s rights, Saudi Arabia is increasingly investing in women’s tennis, highlighted by their hosting of the WTA Finals in Riyadh. This event marked a milestone and is part of a multi-year collaboration between the WTA and the PIF, with the kingdom set to host the WTA Finals again in 2025 and 2026.
The PIF WTA Maternity Fund represents a groundbreaking initiative that offers meaningful support to female tennis players. By providing paid maternity leave and fertility treatment grants, this program acknowledges the dual responsibilities of athletes as competitors and potential mothers. This shift not only fosters inclusivity within the sport but also advances the broader conversation about women’s rights in athletics, positioning tennis as a leader in addressing these critical issues.
Original Source: www.news18.com
