Serena hails new WTA rule for mothers

ABU DHABI — The Williams sisters, harbingers of changes in women’s tennis including equal pay, lauded the new special seeding rule for players returning from maternity leave.

“It is great. Women who are younger can go out there and have kids. They don’t have to worry about it or wait for years to have children,” said Serena Williams, who became mother in September last year.

According to the Special Ranking Rule, a player’s ranking freezes in the event of injury, illness or pregnancy. And a player can use her special ranking for seeding purposes at WTA events.

Someone who is out of competition for more than six months but less than a year may use her special ranking for up to eight tournaments in a one-year period.

In the light of recent rule changes, Serena is unsure if she would have planned her motherhood in a different way. “Having such an experience really opened up my eyes and would have I done it sooner had there been different rules. But if there is an opportunity, people don’t have to ask that question again,” the 37-year-old said.

Serena has 23 major titles and is eyeing next one. “I had a wonderful year. Getting No. 24 is something I clearly want. But I have to be able to get there and beat a lot of good players. I am feeling good and training for couple of weeks,” she said at Mubadala World Tennis Championship.

Talking about playing against her sister, Serena said: “It’s been a great experience, when you get to do anything with Venus. We have done so much for the sport. So it is really great to continue our journey and be here in Abu Dhabi.”

Meanwhile, Venus also hailed the new rule and said: “Things are changing as people are realising that you can have a family and still play tournaments. So, I am very happy.” Venus noted she was in training mode ahead of the new season. “I love the game and that’s why I am here. .”