Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
WTA's Maternity Pay Plan Will Have 'Lasting Impact'
The Straits Times
|March 08, 2025
The WTA will offer players up to 12 months of paid maternity leave for the first time, the women's tennis tour said on March 6, as part of a sweeping new family benefits programme sponsored by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).
-
Under the plan, players will have access to grants for fertility treatment and other benefits. The WTA said it is the first time that maternity benefits are available to self-employed athletes.
"It can be challenging to balance the physical and emotional demands of a professional tennis career with the complexities of motherhood and family life," WTA chief executive Portia Archer said.
"For some time, we have been exploring how we can increase our support for players to help them become parents."
The WTA first announced its partnership with the PIF in 2024.
More than 320 players are eligible for the benefits, with criteria reliant on competing in a "certain number of WTA tournaments in a window of time".
This story is from the March 08, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
Abuse Young children in dysfunctional families face high risks
The physical and mental abuse Megan Khung suffered has left Singaporeans reeling over how this could have happened here.
1 min
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
Doctors Dishonesty a serious matter to SMC and courts
The commentary “Are doctors in Singapore being disciplined fairly?
2 mins
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
Better tracking needed to measure hearing loss
Hearing loss is a lot more than an ear issue, and is linked to cognitive decline, loneliness, increased fall risk, malnutrition, and even diabetes (Sumiko at 61: Hearing loss is linked to dementia risk.
1 mins
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
'Yacht expert' among 3 S'poreans named as co-conspirators of Cambodian tycoon in US probe
Three Singaporeans allegedly implicated in a major probe by the United States and Britain targeting cybercrime include a self-styled yacht expert.
2 mins
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
FROM HEARTBREAK TO CONQUERING THE HARD COURTS
In this series, The Straits Times highlights the players or teams to watch in the world of sport.
5 mins
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
S'pore firm sanctioned by US was involved in HDB projects
Khoon Group under scrutiny over links to China-born tycoon in cybercrime probe
6 mins
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
Rape Father sentenced to 24 years’ jail
A 54-year-old man, who was goaded by his lover to commit sexual acts on his daughter, was sentenced to 24 years’ jail on Oct 27.
1 min
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
Art appreciation Louvre museum heist a wake-up call
I've seen photos of the Louvre in textbooks and read about the Mona Lisa and the endless halls lined with art.
1 min
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
S’pore eyes renewable fuel, nuclear tie-ups in drive for diverse energy mix: Tan See Leng
Singapore must be ready to support all promising pathways, from established technologies to novel options, in its bid to transition its fossil fuel-based energy sector to one that is clean yet affordable, said Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology Tan See Leng on Oct 27.
4 mins
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
Japan's new leader faces an early test: Winning over Trump
Ms Sanae Takaichi, who last week became the first woman to lead Japan as prime minister, has never met US President Donald Trump.
3 mins
October 28, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size