The WTA's new maternity and fertility policies signal vital support for women balancing careers and family, says Varsha Venugopal.
Such policies have ripple effects, potentially benefiting not just athletes but also coaches, support staff, and professionals in other industries, offering a framework for broader adoption.
True inclusivity goes beyond written policies; it requires fostering open conversations about fertility and pregnancy and creating systemic support integral to employee wellbeing.
The Women's Tennis Association has introduced new policies around maternity leave and fertility support, setting a precedent that extends beyond the world of professional sports and into the wider conversation about how employers support working women.
Varsha Venugopal brings a unique perspective from her background in sports media, marketing, and as an athlete.
A break from pressure: "Women face a lot of issues when they are not able to balance their careers as a mother, in sports, or really any industry," Venugopal says. "Right now more industries are coming out with IVF coverage policies, egg freezing, adoption assistance, and paid maternity leaves and all. But for a sports association, like tennis, coming up with policies [like the WTA has] is a new thing." The significance, Venugopal notes, is that women are "free from the pressure of delaying a family or a career growth."
Venugopal highlights the statistical reality of fertility challenges, noting that one in six people worldwide have fertility issues. The specifics of the WTA's approach are also key, as they provide up to three years of ranking protection for players who take maternity leave. "Access to a wild card entry, which can save their career and save their ranking is very important."
Beyond the athlete: Venugopal sees a clear pathway for these policies to influence other sectors. "It's not just for the athletes, but also the supporting staff like me, the media and marketing roles, or physiotherapists, sports medicine, any other person that is supporting the athlete."
More than paper policies: When considering the architecture of truly inclusive fertility and maternity support, Venugopal stresses that policy alone is insufficient; a profound cultural shift is necessary. "Support isn't just about policies on paper, but it's also about making women feel that they have started a conversation about fertility or pregnancy," she says.
A win for full humans: Drawing from her direct experience as an athlete, Venugopal underscores the personal toll of inadequate support systems. "As a woman in sports, I have seen many female athletes delay their family or stop playing altogether," she shares. "In India people feel like at this age you should get married, and maybe they have to retire from the sport as a result."
The WTA's progressive stance, therefore, offers more than just practical benefits; it signals a change in how female professionals are perceived. "It's great to see this organization stepping up and giving hope that having a family isn't an end to their career process anymore."
