Women’s pro tennis players now eligible for paid maternity leave—a historic win for women in sports

In a win for working moms everywhere (and let’s be honest, all of us cheering from the sidelines), the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) just served up a serious ace.

Starting now, professional tennis players can get up to 12 months of paid maternity leave, thanks to a new program backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the Associated Press reports.

If a player becomes a parent via partner pregnancy, surrogacy, or adoption, they still get two months of paid leave.

Finally, a policy that acknowledges that parenting is an endurance sport in itself.

Related: New study shows just how financially devastating unpaid maternity leave is for US families

Why this matters

For years, female athletes have had to choose between their careers and their families. Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, and Victoria Azarenka are just a few of the powerhouse moms who have returned to the court post-baby—but not without major challenges.

Pregnancy and postpartum recovery aren’t exactly conditions you can “power through” with a foam roller and an ice bath.

And for lower-ranked players who don’t have the financial cushion of Grand Slam winners, taking time off often meant an early retirement.

This fund changes the game, literally.

Now, players can take the time they actually need to recover, bond with their baby, and return to the court when they’re ready—not when their bank account says so. And it sets the standard for a new generation of female athletes and their supporting organizations. 

Motherhood and peak performance: Not mutually exclusive

The idea that pregnancy is a career-ending event? It’s officially out.

Research shows that when women get proper maternity leave—time to physically recover, bond with their baby, and adjust to the mental load of new parenthood—they actually perform better in the long run.

One study found that women who have sufficient time to recover postpartum are more likely to return to work with higher productivity and fewer long-term health issues. 

It’s time to recognize motherhood as a superpower, not an obstacle—even for athletes.

The bigger picture for moms

This isn’t just about tennis.

It’s about a larger shift in how we support women in every field.

The WTA’s move highlights what working moms have been saying forever: If you give women the resources and flexibility they need, they don’t just come back—they thrive.

Other sports are catching on, too.

The WNBA guarantees full pay during maternity leave, and the National Women’s Soccer League covers full base salaries for pregnant players.

Even the LPGA ensures golfers return with the same playing status.

It’s about time all industries take note—because whether you’re serving aces or leading boardroom meetings, moms deserve policies that let them win.

What’s next?

For the WTA, this is just the beginning. Victoria Azarenka, a leader in pushing for this initiative, says she hopes the fund will continue to expand.

And as for the rest of us? We’ll be watching, cheering, and waiting (im)patiently for every other industry to follow suit.

Motherhood isn’t the end of a woman’s career—it’s often the start of her next victory, on the field, at work, or in life.

Sometimes, it’s just the start of her next victory—on the field, at work, or in life.

Related: U.S. moms lose an average of $9,500 thanks to unpaid maternity leave

Sources:

1. Agreement between National Women’s Soccer League Players Association and The National Women’s Soccer League. NWSL Players. COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT.
2. Women’s tennis players now eligible for paid maternity leave funded by Saudis. Sportsnet. Women’s tennis players now eligible for paid maternity leave funded by Saudis.
3. Work Reentry After Childbirth. National Library of Medicine. Work Reentry After Childbirth: Predictors of Self-Rated Health in Month One Among a Sample of University Faculty and Staff.
4. The long-run effect of maternity leave benefits on mental health. National Library of Medicine. The long-run effect of maternity leave benefits on mental health: Evidence from European countries.
5. Women’s tennis players now are eligible for paid maternity leave financed by Saudi fund. AP News. Women’s tennis players now are eligible for paid maternity leave financed by Saudi fund.