The move, called “groundbreaking” by 2017 U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens, is aimed at players who take a break from the tour to undergo procedures like egg or embryo freezing.

The WTA has installed a new tour rule protecting players who undergo fertility treatments. Here is what that means for the sport.

Female tennis players who undergo fertility treatment will no longer feel pressured to rush back to the court after the WTA ’s groundbreaking promise to protect their world rankings.