The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has adopted a groundbreaking new “Fertility Protection Special Entry Ranking Rule,” designed to support female tennis players who choose to undergo fertility preservation procedures. WashU Medicine’s Dr. Megan Gornet, infertility specialist and reproductive surgeon in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Medicine and Infertility played a key role in shaping this policy.
The rule allows players to take time off for treatments such as egg or embryo freezing while maintaining a protected ranking. This ensures they can return to competition without losing access to major tournaments—a vital step forward in supporting women’s health and career longevity in professional sports.
“As a former NCAA Division one tennis player and now a fertility doctor, I have a unique perspective that’s well suited to understanding the pressures women face when balancing fertility with the demands of elite athletics”
– Megan Gornet, MD
“As a former NCAA Division one tennis player and now a fertility doctor, I have a unique perspective that’s well suited to understanding the pressures women face when balancing fertility with the demands of elite athletics,” said Dr. Gornet. “I credit lessons learned from junior and collegiate tennis for shaping who I am today, and I feel incredibly fortunate to combine my passions for tennis and fertility in this way.”
The initiative for fertility preservation came directly from the athletes. In response, the WTA recognized the need to include a fertility specialist on its Women’s Health Taskforce, recruiting Dr. Gornet to help lead the effort. She also serves on the board of an international organization instrumental in pushing for this regulatory change.
“Our goal is to extend the careers of female tennis players so they can explore family building later, if they choose,” Dr. Gornet explained. “While nothing in fertility is guaranteed, this protection allows players to invest in their future beyond the sport. I hope the WTA’s player-centered approach sets a precedent for other women’s professional sports organizations around the world.”