Players to get ranking protection by WTA Tour should they freeze eggs or embryos

"Having the protected ranking there, so that players don't feel forced to come back early and risk their health again, is the best thing possible," Sloane Stephens told BBC Sport.

Sloane Stephens said that she believes the rule will reduce the pressure on players to return to the court too quickly. Picture: Robert Prange/Getty Images

Female tennis players will have their ranking protected by the WTA Tour should they decide to freeze eggs or embryos in order to start a family at a later date, it has been confirmed.

Any player ranked in the world's top 750, who spends more than 10 weeks out of competition, will be able to avail of this new initiative.