'BEST THING POSSIBLE': WTA PLAYERS OFFERED RANKING SECURITY AFTER FREEZING EGGS

Sloane Stephens supports the WTA's new initiative. (Getty/Robert Prange)

No longer will female players have to stress about sliding down the rankings if they choose to freeze eggs or embryos, now thanks to the WTA Tour's security blanket.

The new action comes into effect for the top-750 players who must be out of competition for at least 10 weeks to become eligible.

"The new rule means that players can now take time away from professional tennis for a fertility protection procedure, such as egg or embryo freezing, and safely return to competition with a protected ranking," the WTA said in a statement.

"Eligible players will receive a Special Entry Ranking (SER), which can be used to enter up to three tournaments, based on the 12-week average of their WTA Ranking from eight weeks prior to the start of their out-of-competition period."

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Sloane Stephens, a former world No.3 and 2017 US Open champion, has endorsed the WTA's decision after sharing her experience as a player.

"The first time I did it, I rushed back and I was overweight and not happy; just very stressed out," she told BBC Sport.

"The second time I did it, I took a totally different approach so I could just be in better shape. I could have the surgery, I could have more time to recover.

"So having the protected ranking there, so that players don't feel forced to come back early and risk their health again, is the best thing possible."

The announcement comes three months after the women's tennis governing body provided an option of paid maternity leave for up to 12 months.

"It's all trial and error, everyone's body is different," Stephens continued.

"Someone might be out for three months, someone might be out for one week. Some people gain a tonne of weight, some people can go back immediately.

"I think when you are family planning, it's better if you have that support."

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