WTA rulebook update: Increased rankings protection for mothers, catsuits now allowed

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has released its 2019 rulebook with the most notable changes coming on the back of incidents involving Serena Williams.
One of the major talking points of 2018 revolved around the lack of protection for mothers who returned to action after pregnancy with the issue being put in the spotlight following former world No 1 Williams’ comeback after the giving birth.
While Wimbledon and the US Open gave Williams special seedings, she was forced to enter several tournaments unseeded, including at Roland Garros, and as a result came up against seeded players quite early in the draw.
However, the WTA has changed its rules and a player returning from maternity leave will have a three-year period to use her Special Ranking, which will begin at the birth of the child.
Players, both injured and returning mothers, who were out of competition for 52 weeks or longer can now also use their Special Ranking in 12 tournaments, up from eight this year.
Victoria Azarenka, who is on the WTA Players’ Council and was one of the players affected by the lack of proper rules for returning mothers, feels it is a step in the right direction.
“Our players should feel comfortable and confident to take time away from the courts to have a family or recover from injury and I think these new rules support that,” she said in a statement.
“This is a really good first step and we are using it as a base to continue to look for ways to improve and highlight the importance of mothers working and being on Tour.”
Another heated debate involving Williams in 2018 was the catsuit she wore at Roland Garros.
The American wore the outfit as she suffered from blood clots following the birth of her daughter, but French Tennis Federation President Bernard Giudicelli revealed after the French Open that the catsuit would be banned.
However, the WTA has now taken a firm stance on the issue.
“Though the WTA had no rule explicitly prohibiting a player from wearing leggings without a skirt, the Board of Directors approved language making the Tour’s position regarding such attire explicitly clear: Leggings and mid-thigh-length compression shorts may be worn with or without a skirt, shorts, or dress,” it states.
Other changes in the 2019 WTA rulebook include the introduction of the 25-second shot clock at Premier events in 2019 and the number of toilet breaks being reduced from two to one per match.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
Tennis betting special: Rafael Nadal 9/2 to finish 2019 as world number one
-
Comment: Grigor Dimitrov’s disastrous year proves nothing is guaranteed for Alexander Zverev
-
All-time top 10 ATP prize money earners: Novak Djokovic sweeps past Roger Federer
-
-
Andy Murray offers possible solutions to tactical toilet breaks and medical timeouts
-
Latest
-
News
Novak Djokovic equals Roger Federer’s record of weeks as world number one
Djokovic is guaranteed to set a new mark next week.
-
ATP Tour
David Goffin ends long wait for an ATP title with a win in Montpellier
David Goffin captured his first ATP Tour title for more than three years by winning the Open Sud de France in Montpellier.
-
Tennis News
Roger Federer sends his fans into a frenzy with Twitter post ahead of his return to action
Roger Federer fans are counting down to his return to action in Doha next week and his tweet teasing his return instantly became a big hit.
-
Tennis News
Iga Swiatek’s perfect week as she claims her second WTA title
Iga Swiatek won her second career WTA title with victory over Belinda Bencic in the final of the Adelaide International.
-
News
Jamie Murray says quarantine threat on tour means players must be ready to adapt
The doubles specialist plans to travel to tournaments in Mexico and Miami next month without knowing what to expect on arrival.
-
Tennis News
Battle of the Brits event is back and this time with spectators
The Battle of the Brits events were a huge success during the Covid-19 crisis and now they are set to return with spectators.
-
Tennis Features
The only way is up for Naomi Osaka as she looks to replicate hard-court success on clay and grass
Oli Jefford on the world being Naomi Osaka’s oyster.
-
Kevin Palmer
Britain’s strength in depth in doubles highlights quality of structure
British tennis may be wondering who can replace Andy Murray, but they have a very different story to tell in the doubles arena.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal pulls out of his next event due to ‘ongoing’ back problem
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the ABN…
-
Tennis News
Lleyton Hewitt to be inducted into International Tennis Hall Of Fame
Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt is the latest player who will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.