Pregnant players of women's tennis can now receive a 12-month paid maternity holiday, and those who become parents with a partner, with Surrogacy or adoption, can be paid through the program sponsored by the Saudi State Investment Fund.

“Independent contractors and self-employed people usually do not have such benefits of their motherhood and affordable. They need to go out and find out those benefits for themselves, “said WTA CEO Portia. “This is really a novel and underground.”

More than 300 players have the right to Return to the Foundation by January 1. WTA won't disclose how much money is involved.

The program, which WTA was the first time in the history of women's sports, that the comprehensive maternity benefits are available to independent, self-employed athletes, “grants gives grants for fertility treatment and IVF.

It is a wider trend. Because women's sports rise, emphasize the maternity and parental needs.

How many moms are now on the women's tennis tour?

WTA says 25 mom is active on the tour. One, a gold medalist of the Tokyo Olympics Belinda Benchian won his title after returning from motherhood vacation in October.

More and more parties have returned to tennis, after having children, including classified players and Grand Slam winners, such as Serena Williams, Kim Clays, Caroline Wozenk and Victoria Azarenk.

A member of the Board of WTA players played a key role in pushing this fund, which had the opportunity to push this fund.

“A great opportunity”

“Of course, it is one of the goals of the program. Financial resources, flexibility, support, so these athletes, regardless of those who want to earn less, “said when they wanted to start their families.

And, Azelenka said:

“Every response we have heard of mothers or those who are not mothers are like:” Wow, this is an incredible opportunity for us. “

Other steps WTA has gained benefits to players in recent years, involves more women's training, protecting, turning it into cyberical resources, which receives the prize money.

What role does Saudi Arabia play in Tennis?

Public Investment Fund or PIF became WTA's global partner last year, after big debates. Christ Chris Evri and Martina Navratilova was among those criticized on issues of LGBTK + and women's rights in Saudi Arabia.

The Kingdom is now hosted by the Seasonal WTA final and ATP event for raising men's tennis stars. PIF sponsors WTA and ATP rankings.

“We would not be able to provide the benefits whether it is not this relationship and funding that Peter provides,” said the bow.

What are motherhood leaving politics in Golf, football and basketball?

• In Golf, which is an individual sport such as tennis, without guaranteed salaries, LSGA presented a renewed maternity vacation policy returning to athletes.
• In football and NWSL and the US women's team have collective bargaining agreements that allow pregnancy leave and parental leave. NWSL pays the wage of the entire base while the athlete is pregnant.
• In basketball, the Central Bank of WNBA guarantees the entire payment on maternity leave.

For tennis, Azarenka said that the PIF WTA Maternity Foundation's program is “just the beginning.”

“It's an incredible start. Monumental change, “he said. “But I think we can look for how we can expand this fund for better, better things.”