Served with Andy Roddick – Episode Summary: "Kim Clijsters talks WTA’s New Fertility Rule & Maternity Support for Players | LOVE ALL"

Release Date: July 3, 2025
Podcast Network: Vox Media Podcast Network
Hosts: Andy Roddick, with special appearance by Kim Clijsters

Introduction to the Episode

In this compelling episode of Served with Andy Roddick, former World No. 1 tennis star Kim Clijsters takes center stage to discuss the evolution of maternity and fertility support within the Women's Tennis Association (WTA). Joined by Kathleen Stroya, Head of Performance Health at the WTA, and Dr. Megan Gornett, an Assistant Professor at Washington University and fertility expert, Kim delves into the WTA’s groundbreaking initiatives aimed at supporting female athletes in balancing motherhood and professional tennis.

Evolution of Maternity Support in the WTA

Kim Clijsters reminisces about her return to the tour in 2009 as the sole mother on tour and contrasts it with the present-day WTA, which boasts approximately 25 mothers competing at the highest levels. She highlights recent successes, such as Tatiana Maria's title win in Queens and Belinda Bencic’s triumph in Abu Dhabi, illustrating the positive impact of enhanced support systems for player-mothers.

Kim Clijsters [01:00]: "I was, I think, the only mother on tour. There wasn't much support. I feel like tennis is always kind of the frontrunner when it comes to women's sports."

Kathleen Stroya provides an overview of the WTA’s longstanding commitment to athlete health, emphasizing the collaborative efforts with partners like Hologic and the establishment of the Women's Health Task Force. She underscores the significance of player-led initiatives in shaping policies that cater to the holistic needs of female athletes.

Kathleen Stroya [05:49]: "It's always been player led... we were able to revisit that and really apply this time some of the science and what we learned in the field to the rule itself."

Introduction of the PIF WTA Maternity Fund and New Fertility Rule

The episode delves deep into the WTA’s recent introduction of the PIF WTA Maternity Fund and the new fertility ranking rule. These initiatives ensure that players no longer have to sacrifice their careers to pursue motherhood.

Dr. Megan Gornett explains the rationale behind the fertility rule, highlighting its foundation in treating the player as a whole individual rather than solely focusing on their athletic performance.

Dr. Megan Gornett [11:10]: "You want to treat the player. Right. And not just the tennis aspect of it. ... preserving this fertility takes a huge mental weight off of them."

Kim Clijsters shares personal insights on the challenges faced by player-mothers, emphasizing the importance of support systems in enabling athletes to navigate both motherhood and their professional commitments.

Kim Clijsters [09:51]: "Players no longer have to choose between tennis and motherhood and there is room for both."

Detailed Discussion on the Fertility Rule and Its Implications

The conversation turns to the specifics of the newly implemented fertility rule. Kathleen Stroya outlines how the rule includes provisions for maternity leave and fertility protection for the top 750 singles and doubles players. She emphasizes the collaborative efforts with fertility specialists to craft guidelines that accommodate the unique demands of professional tennis.

Kathleen Stroya [09:51 - 11:10]: "We have a fund for the players from maternity leave and the fertility protection process as well... players speaking out about egg freezing and fertility."

Dr. Megan Gornett elaborates on the medical aspects of the fertility rule, discussing the egg freezing process and its impact on athletes’ physical and mental well-being. She candidly acknowledges the existing knowledge gaps and the ongoing efforts to gather more data to refine recovery protocols.

Dr. Megan Gornett [25:46]: "We don't necessarily know [the impact]. It was pretty much just based on expert opinion."

Kim Clijsters raises pertinent questions about the recovery process, drawing parallels to her own experience returning to tennis post-motherhood. This prompts a discussion on the tailored support systems in place to facilitate safe and effective returns to competition.

Kim Clijsters [23:54]: "Do you know more information about that or not yet?"

Support Systems and Future Directions

Kathleen Stroya highlights the comprehensive support network established by the WTA, including mental health providers, physical therapists, and specialized medical staff focused on women's health. She envisions continued growth in this area, advocating for more female-specific research and resource development.

Kathleen Stroya [20:42]: "We're only at the beginning, truly... bringing advancements in the sport, in sports medicine."

Dr. Megan Gornett discusses her role within the Women's Health Task Force, emphasizing her interactions with athletes and her contributions to shaping policies that address their fertility and health needs.

Dr. Megan Gornett [18:36]: "I enjoy being a resource for them... happy to be a resource in this way for the WTA."

Personal Reflections and Closing Remarks

Kim Clijsters reflects on the WTA's progressive stance in supporting player-mothers and the broader implications for women's sports. She expresses optimism about witnessing new mothers achieving grand slam victories and hopes that the WTA’s initiatives set a standard for other sports organizations.

Kim Clijsters [32:17]: "I can't wait to see a new mom hold a trophy, a grand slam trophy... I hope that this becomes a standard across other women's sports as well."

She commends both Kathleen Stroya and Dr. Megan Gornett for their dedication and contributions, celebrating the WTA's ongoing commitment to athlete health and well-being.

Kim Clijsters [33:05]: "They were trendsetters years ago and it's amazing to see it all kind of fall into place and still get better year by year."

Conclusion

This episode of Served with Andy Roddick offers an insightful exploration into the WTA’s advancements in supporting female athletes through maternity and fertility challenges. Kim Clijsters, alongside Kathleen Stroya and Dr. Megan Gornett, provides a comprehensive overview of the initiatives that are reshaping the landscape of women’s tennis, ensuring that athletes can seamlessly blend motherhood with their professional careers. The conversation underscores the importance of holistic support systems and sets a precedent for other sports organizations to follow suit.

Notable Quotes:

• Kim Clijsters [01:00]: "I was, I think, the only mother on tour. There wasn't much support."
• Kathleen Stroya [05:49]: "It's still on sports medicine, very much sports medicine and bringing advancements in the field."
• Dr. Megan Gornett [11:10]: "Preserving this fertility takes a huge mental weight off of them."
• Kim Clijsters [09:51]: "Players no longer have to choose between tennis and motherhood and there is room for both."
• Kathleen Stroya [20:42]: "We're only at the beginning, truly."

For listeners interested in the intersection of professional sports and athlete well-being, this episode provides a thoughtful and in-depth analysis of the steps being taken to support women in tennis as they navigate the complexities of career and motherhood.