The WTA have given returning mothers an increased ranking protection after the debate was sparked by Serena Williams last year.
The American came back to tennis last March after giving birth to her daughter, Olympia, which sparked a debate about protected rankings. Even though Serena was allowed to use her protected ranking for eight tournaments last year many players including Serena were calling for a protected seeding.
Serena’s wishes would mean that returning mothers would not play a seeded player until the third round. This opinion caused debate around the tennis community as some suggested it would be unfair for a player to miss out on a seeding, when they have worked hard over the last 12 months to earn that ranking.
In a recent statement the Women’s Tennis Association have addressed this issue although its not what Serena may have imagined it to be. They announced that returning mothers will avoid playing a seeded player in the opening round for the future but their actual seeding for the tournament will be decided by the actual tournament.
They have also said that returning players will be allowed to use their protected ranking for 12 tournaments over a three year period. The news may come as a relief to many returning mothers as they can now take their time coming back from pregnancy and may come as welcome news to players such as Elena Vesnina, who has just given birth.
However many players would have liked to seen protected seeding as a ruling by the WTA. The leading governing body also announced a new clothing rule, which ensures Serena Williams may wear her catsuit in future. FFT President Bernard Guidicelli had previously said that there would be a strict dress code in regards to compression shorts and other items of clothing.
But now the WTA have overruled and said the following, “Leggings and mid-thigh length compression shorts may be worn with or without a skirt, shorts, or dress.”
