In a recent interview, Kim Clijsters shared her thoughts on the Women’s Tennis Association’s new fertility rule and broader maternity policies, highlighting a significant shift in how the sport accommodates female athletes who choose to start families. Drawing from her own experience as a mother and former world No. 1, Clijsters emphasized the importance of creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women on tour.
The conversation explored how the WTA’s updated regulations now offer greater flexibility for players returning from maternity leave, including protected rankings and scheduling considerations. Clijsters praised these changes as a meaningful step toward recognizing the dual roles many athletes play as both competitors and parents.
She also reflected on the challenges she faced balancing motherhood with elite competition, noting that while progress has been made, there is still room for improvement in how the tennis world supports female players during and after pregnancy. Her insights shed light on the evolving culture within the sport, where family life is no longer seen as incompatible with professional success.