WTA introduces groundbreaking entry rule focused on fertility protection

June 11, 2025

The WTA has introduced a new measure that provides ranking protection for WTA athletes who choose to undergo fertility protection. The development and adoption of the Fertility Protection Special Entry Ranking Rule has been championed by WTA players and delivers a further enhancement to the existing package of benefits empowering players to combine professional sport with family life.

The new rule means players can now take time away from professional tennis for a fertility protection procedure such as egg or embryo freezing and safely return to competition with a protected ranking. Eligible players will receive a Special Entry Ranking (SER), which can be used to enter up to three tournaments, based on the 12-week average of their WTA Ranking from eight weeks prior to the start of their out-of-competition period. wtatennis