As tennis looks towards Serena Williams returning at the Australian Open, the WTA's boss hopes players will be able to easily function as working mothers while on the tour.
Williams gave birth to daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. in September and has pledged to return in 2018 to defend the title she won at Melbourne Park earlier this year.
Speaking at the year-end WTA Finals in Singapore, WTA chief executive Steve Simon said the sport needs to make sure they stay on top of the issue.
He said in tennis, there is "room for both" motherhood and playing at the highest level.
"Serena is not the first high-profile mother that's been a mum on the tour, the most recent past one was obviously Kim Clijsters," Simon said.
"I think it's something that's exciting. It should be congratulated. There is room for both.
"It can be done and they can play at the highest level. Kim came back and won grand slams after being a mum."
Clijsters won the 2009 and 2010 US Opens as well as the 2011 Australian Open after the arrival of daughter Jada, putting her in an exclusive club of only three women to win grand slams after having a baby.
The other two to do so are Australian legends Margaret Court and Evonne Goolagong Cawley.
Simon says he would welcome having more mothers on the tour.
"I hope that it becomes an issue that we have to deal with that we have more mums and kids out there, because it's great to see," he said.
"And we do have several players now that travel with children. It's great. It's wonderful."
He added he had spoken to Williams, and she had indicated to him the depth of her competitiveness.
"I know she's excited to come back and actually mentions that she's very hungry for 2018 and looking to come back in Australia."
Share
