WTA and PIF Launch Maternity Leave Program

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has launched a groundbreaking initiative offering up to 12 months of paid maternity leave to its players, funded by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF). This initiative, hailed as a first in women's sports, also provides grants for fertility treatments and support for family planning. Over 320 players, including notable figures like Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, are eligible for these benefits, which aim to support athletes balancing professional and family life. The program, part of a larger 'Family Focus Program', is seen as a significant step towards inclusivity and gender equality in sports. Victoria Azarenka, a key advocate, described the fund as a meaningful shift in support for women athletes. The partnership between the WTA and PIF represents a major investment in women's tennis and reflects a broader trend towards accommodating parental needs in sports.