‘Transformational’ maternity leave scheme unveiled for top tennis players

320 players can take up to 12 months off and access IVF

Victoria Azarenka said players are ‘extremely excited’ about the WTA’s move. Pic: AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

The Women’s Tennis Association has become the first international sports body to introduce up to 12 months of paid maternity leave for players, in what it has hailed as a defining moment for women’s sport.

Under the new policy, funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, players will also get access to grants for fertility treatments, including egg freezing and IVF.