The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) continues to break barriers and redefine norms, with Swiss star Belinda Bencic singing its praises for the latest progressive initiative – paid maternity leave. The 28-year-old tennis muse revealed how this remarkable step will be a game-changer for professional athletes who aspire to juggle family planning and promising tennis careers.
In an unprecedented move, the WTA, in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), declared that tennis players on maternity leave would receive paid leave for up to a year. Furthermore, players can access funding for fertility treatments. The financial backing for this groundbreaking initiative will be provided by PIF. However, players have to fulfil certain eligibility criteria, including participating in a specified number of tournaments over a given period. Astonishingly, when the announcement hit the headlines, over 320 players already qualified for the paid maternity leave.
Bencic, who made the personal decision to embrace motherhood at 26 in late 2023, willingly chose to forego a season to welcome her first child. However, many players have found themselves grappling with this decision due to financial constraints and their commitment to the sport. Bencic’s announcement of her pregnancy was a bold move that challenged the status quo and sparked discussions in tennis circles.
Bencic lauded the WTA’s initiative, emphasizing how it simplifies life-altering decisions for many players. “This initiative provides players with the freedom to choose and not be forced to delay motherhood till the end of their careers. The benefit is particularly significant for lower-ranked players who cannot afford to take extended breaks. It simplifies the decision-making process for numerous players,” the Swiss ace expressed during an interview with Tennis Channel.
She added, “I hope we can set a precedent and inspire other sports where athletes face similar dilemmas, torn between starting a family and concluding their careers.”
Fans of Bencic are well aware of her commendable comeback post-pregnancy. She’s had an impressive run this year, with a 16/4 record, and claimed her first WTA title as a mother last month in Abu Dhabi. Moreover, she’s been on a roll at Indian Wells, defeating Tatjana Maria, Amanda Anisimova, and Diana Shnaider, setting the stage for a round-of-16 face-off against Coco Gauff.
