Tennis introduces groundbreaking fertility support for women
Women’s tennis has made history by becoming the first sport to fund fertility care for athletes. Starting May 2025, players will have access to grants for egg and embryo freezing, as well as IVF treatment. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) announced this landmark move through a partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
This initiative also includes paid maternity and parental support. It is designed to protect female athletes who wish to start families while continuing their professional careers. More than two dozen active mothers currently compete on the WTA Tour, highlighting the demand for such support.
Sloane Stephens opens up on her fertility journey
American tennis star Sloane Stephens has become one of the most vocal athletes on fertility in sports. The 2017 US Open champion revealed that as she approached age 30, she had to decide between pausing her career to start a family or freezing her eggs.
“Everyone’s speaking about it, everyone’s sharing their journeys,” Stephens said. “It’s helping all of us understand what everyone’s gone through so we can make the best-informed decisions.”
Her openness has encouraged other athletes to have conversations once considered taboo. Many colleagues now look to her for guidance on navigating fertility choices while competing at the highest level.
A major shift for women athletes worldwide
This WTA policy marks the first time in the history of women’s sports that independent athletes are offered comprehensive fertility and maternity benefits. The initiative goes beyond financial aid, offering protection for those undergoing fertility treatments to help them return to competition smoothly.
Stephens noted that such support could reshape the future of sports for women. “It definitely makes a difference for the younger players now who can start thinking about it at 25 instead of 32,” she explained.
By normalizing fertility conversations, the WTA is setting a precedent that could influence other sports federations around the world.
Impact on the next generation of women in sports
The initiative has sparked hope among younger players who can now plan their futures with less pressure. Athletes no longer have to choose between early retirement or delaying family life. Instead, they can take control of both career and motherhood.
Stephens believes this step “changes the trajectory” of how women athletes make life decisions. With fertility care now supported at an institutional level, women in sports may finally compete and build families on their own terms.
