Serena Williams has embraced the added safeguard now extended to new mothers upon their return to the women’s tennis circuit. The tennis legend has secured victory in the Grand Slam tournament 23 times. In remarks not yet disclosed by BBC Sport, Williams hailed the development as momentous.
Williams asserted that many young female athletes embark on their careers, start families, and need not fret about postnatal concerns. Instead of postponing motherhood to later stages of life, they can now continue playing without the fear of repercussion. The adjustments to the WTA regulations, reportedly finalized this month, prevent penalizing players post-pregnancy or following an injury necessitating a prolonged absence.
The policy shift was primarily inspired by the experiences of esteemed former players like Victoria Azarenka and Williams, both of whom made comebacks post-childbirth. The World Tennis Association has stipulated that players returning to the circuit after childbirth can retain an individual ranking for up to three years. This exemption can also be applied to secure placements in major tournaments. Williams acknowledged her own parenthood journey, remarking that had these modifications been implemented earlier, the landscape would have been different. The change presents an opportunity and eliminates any doubts regarding eligibility. Despite her earlier successes at the Australian Open in 2017, Williams entered the French Open unseeded for her first major appearance post-pregnancy.
