Saudi Arabia To Sponsor Paid Maternity Leave In Tennis

The Women's Tennis Association and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund have introduced a new initiative aimed at providing players with benefits for maternity and family planning, the organisations announced on Thursday.

Women's tennis remains one of the few professional sports that still lack these benefits, and players have expressed their needs.

Under this initiative, eligible players will be entitled to up to 12 months of paid maternity leave. Additionally, players can access grants to assist with fertility treatments and egg freezing. The WTA stated that this new policy will benefit around 320 eligible athletes.

"This initiative will provide the current and next generation of players the support and flexibility to explore family life, in whatever form they choose," Portia Archer, WTA CEO, said in a statement.

The PIF WTA maternity fund program represents the first and only maternity initiative in women's sports to receive full funding and backing from an outside partner, according to the WTA. While PIF did not disclose the amount it contributes to the initiative, both organizations affirmed that players will be compensated fairly.