(Photo credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images)

The WTA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund announced Thursday that eligible WTA players will receive benefits through the creation of the PIF WTA Maternity Fund Program.

Under the initiative, players will receive up to 12 months of paid maternity leave and have access to grants for fertility treatments, among the benefits. Currently, there are more than 320 eligible players.

PIF, which funds the LIV Golf league, is a global partner of the WTA. Since the two organizations teamed in May 2024, maternity support was identified as an area of interest by the WTA Players' Council.

'I'm honored to introduce this program, driven by players, and made possible with the support of PIF and the WTA,' said Victoria Azarenka, a council representative and mother of an 8-year-old son.

'This marks the beginning of a meaningful shift in how we support women in tennis, making it easier for athletes to pursue both their careers and their aspirations of starting a family. Ensuring that programs like this exist has been a personal mission of mine, and I'm excited to see the lasting impact it will have for generations to come.'

Alanoud Althonayan, the head of events and sponsorships at PIF, said the initiative aligns with PIF's 'vision, purpose and values.'

'The PIF WTA Maternity Fund Program -- a first-of-its-kind and the only maternity program in women's sports to be fully funded and supported by an external partner -- opens new pathways to motherhood while creating a more inclusive environment where athletes can thrive in both their professional and personal lives,' Althonayan said in a news release.

Eligibility for the program includes a retirement for players to compete in a specific number of WTA tournaments over a specified period of time.

A generation ago, very few active players had children, but that has changed.

Serena Williams returned to competition after giving birth to her first daughter in 2017. Former World No. 1 players Naomi Osaka and Caroline Wozniacki also went back on the court after having children, and Elina Svitolina, Belinda Bencic and Taylor Townsend also are among the returnees.

According to CNN, Belgium's Kim Clijsters is the only player to have won a grand slam singles title -- the 2011 Australian Open -- after giving birth.

--Field Level Media