The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has announced that it will provide up to 12 months of paid maternity leave for players who become pregnant. This comprehensive package of maternity benefits, which includes access to grants for fertility treatment and paid leave for those who become parents through surrogacy or adoption, is being funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. This marks the first time that such benefits have been offered to independent, self-employed athletes. Victoria Azarenka, a former world number one and member of the WTA Players’ Council, expressed her support for the program, stating that it represents a significant shift in how women in tennis are supported. The move comes as part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to invest in sports worldwide, although critics argue that this is part of an attempt to improve the country’s image.

Source: https://news.sky.com/story/women-tennis-players-to-get-maternity-pay-in-groundbreaking-programme-13323210