The women’s tennis association introduced up to 12 months of paid maternity leave for women’s players.
Vta says that about 320 players will be entitled to the same, undiscovered compensation, regardless of their world ranking, and the policy is funded by the public investment fund of Saudi Arabia, a global partner of the VTA tour.
Players will not have to return the money if they do not return to professional tennis.
Grants will also be set for fertility treatment, such as eggs and IVFs, while the program includes two months of payment for those who become a parent through a pregnancy, surrogate or adoption.
To receive help, players will have to compete for at least eight VTA tournaments in the previous 12 months or 24 compared to the previous 36 months.
Victoria Azarenka: ‘Ensuring that there are such programs was my personal mission, and I am excited to see a lasting impact that will have generations to come ”
Former world no. 1 Victoria Azarenka, who is sitting on the VTA players and has an eight-year-old, said, “I am honored to present this program, which led the players and enabled the support of PIF and VTA.
“This indicates the beginning of meaningful movement of how we support women in tennis, facilitating athletes to conduct their careers and their aspirations by starting family.
“Ensuring that there are such programs, it was my personal mission, and I’m excited to see a lasting impact that will have generations to come.”
Azarenka is one of the growing band players who returned to the tour after they had children, including Belindbe Bencic and Petra Kvitova.
They are among the 50 players who benefited from special ranking of their previous level that can be used up to three years after birth because it was introduced in 2019. Years.
Alanoud Althonaian, Head of Events and Sponsorships on PIF, said: “Program” PIF VTA MatiTi Fund Program in Women’s Sports to fully finance and supports new roads in Motherhood while creating an inclusive environment in their professional and personal life. “