“This is really sort of novel and groundbreaking,” said WTA CEO Portia Archer back in March after the apex body governing women’s tennis globally made a historic move. Going forward, female players will now receive paid maternity leave. In fact, 320 players will be able to access the benefits, which include 12 months of paid leave. This noble initiative is backed by Saudi Arabia’s PIF (Public Investment Fund). Ever since its launch more than two months ago, many notable tennis figures have lauded the agency for this step. After players like Naomi Osaka and Victoria Azarenka, another prominent WTA pro has shared her honest thoughts while beaming with pride!

On Wednesday, WTA’s official IG account revealed a clip featuring Greek player Maria Sakkari. The 29-year-old was seen admiring the organization for unveiling the paid maternity leave program. According to her, there was a dire need for such an initiative for a long time. Finally, it’s here!

Reflecting on her own personal experiences, Sakkari revealed, “My mom stopped playing tennis when she was 25. She had my brother when she was 27 and myself when she was 29, and then my sister when she was 33. Obviously back then things were very different.” But now, “the option you know, to just take a little break and either have a baby or do the egg freezing procedure, being a tennis player traveling so many weeks a year, having the option and having, you know, the ability to have the funds and also the time off, it’s very important.”

Sakkari then shared an update on her future plans for being a mother. Especially after knowing that she can take paid leaves when required. “A couple of months ago I just went for my yearly tests, I was talking to my doctor about potentially doing it (freezing my eggs). I don’t know when it’s going to feel the time to do it but it’s something that of course, I have in mind.”

She emphasized on stretching her tennis career “but I want to have the option to use them (my eggs) or not maybe in the future, so the PIF WTA Maternity Fund is something amazing.” In the end, she noted that “the WTA is the first organization doing something like this and I couldn’t be more proud.”

Well, Sakkari isn’t the only one being ecstatic following WTA’s welfare program for female pros. Even tennis legend Billie Jean King is extremely happy over this development. So what did she say?

Billie Jean King gives huge thumbs up to WTA’s paid maternity leave program

For the uninitiated, WTA’s program is touted as “the first time in women’s sports history that comprehensive maternity benefits are available to independent, self-employed athletes.” It also offers grants for fertility treatments, including egg freezing and IVF.

Currently, 25 tennis moms are active on tour, and among them is Belinda Bencic. A few months back, she returned from her maternity leave following the birth of her daughter Bella in April 2024. Earlier this season in February, she even won her second Abu Dhabi title. Other key players include Japanese star Naomi Osaka. She made her comeback last season after welcoming baby girl Shai in 2023.

Similarly, there are pros as Kim Clijsters, Caroline Wozniacki, and former World No.1 Viktoria Azarenka. The latter, who’s a mother to 8-year-old son, Leo, is also a member of the WTA Players’ Council. She was extremely happy over the maternity fund program’s reveal. Per her, it’s “just the beginning.” “It’s an incredible beginning. Monumental change”

Even tennis legend Billie Jean King came forward in full support of paid maternity leave. Back in March, she shared a story on her Instagram and wrote, “Thrilled to see eligible WTA players will now have the financial support and resources to start or expand their families while pursuing their professional careers.”

What are your thoughts on WTA’s noble campaign for female tennis pros? Will it help them extend their careers for a longer duration? Let us know in the comments below.