SERENA WILLIAMS APPLAUDS CHANGE IN TENNIS RULES TO FAVOUR MOTHERS
Serena Williams has hailed the new changes to the ‘Special Ranking’ rule introduced by the WTA for 2019 as “great” and believes the development will encourage more players to take a break from the tour to have children then come back to resume their careers.
Under the new rules, returning mothers who have a special ranking that would earn them a seeded position can be drawn as an ‘additional seed’ at tournaments, meaning they would not be able to face a seed in the opening round of a tournament.
This change also ensures that no seed will get bumped as a result of a returning mother given a protected seeding.
Williams, along with other mothers on tour like former world number one Victoria Azarenka, had been advocating for such rule changes that would ease the transition back for players following the birth of their children.
“I think it’s great,” Williams said of the new rule changes during a press conference in Abu Dhabi ahead of an exhibition match against her sister Venus on Thursday.
“Women that are younger can go out there and have kids and not have to worry about it and not have to wait ’til the twilight of their years to have children and I think it’s a really great rule.”
More Stories
EPL: MAN UTD EARN COMEBACK WIN AGAINST BRENTFORD TO EASE PRESSURE ON TEN HAG
Manchester United came from behind to beat Brentford 2-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday, easing pressure on embattled Erik ten...
EPL RETURNS AFTER INT’L BREAK AS LIVERPOOL HOSTS CHELSEA IN SUPER SUNDAY CLASH
Following a two weeks international break, the Premier League returns this weekend with Matchweek 8, kicking off today, Saturday, 19...
BONIFACE, LOOKMAN MAKE CAF FINAL LIST FOR MEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD, OSIMHEN MISSES OUT
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the final three candidates for the coveted CAF Player of the Year...
TUCHEL MUST WIN WORLD CUP FOR ENGLAND – SHEARER
Thomas Tuchel must win the 2026 World Cup to justify his appointment as England’s new manager, according to the Three...
ENGLAND CONFIRMS THOMAS TUCHEL AS NEW MANAGER
Thomas Tuchel has been officially announced as the new England manager, citing a “personal connection” with the country. The German...
TUCHEL SET TO BE NAMED ENGLAND’S NEW MANAGER
Thomas Tuchel is set to be named England’s new manager after agreeing a deal with the Football Association (FA), multiple...