By Pearl Josephine Nazare (Reuters) -Female players who choose to undergo a fertility protection procedure will be allowed to take time away from the sport and return to competitive action with a protected ranking,

This follows the introduction in March of paid maternity leave and grants for fertility protection measures in women’s tennis.

“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 statement continued. Eligible players will receive a Special Entry Ranking (SER), which can be used to enter up to three tournaments.