Clijsters Discusses Motherhood in Tennis and Highlights WTA Support
Kim Clijsters shared her perspective on the topic of motherhood on the tennis circuit. The Belgian player emphasized the support provided by the WTA.
In the media outlet "The Sit-Down Podcast," the former world number one explained the significant decision female tennis players must make when they wish to become mothers:
"There are so many women whose biological clock is ticking and who want to start a family. But at the same time, it feels like we've been playing tennis for 20 years. We've worked so hard to reach this level and compete in Grand Slams.
It's a tough situation to leave tennis to start a family. There aren't many women, when I drop off or pick up my kids from school, who understand what we've been through as players.
From a very young age, with a lot of dedication, understanding what this life is like. Leaving home at 12 and traveling to all these parts of the world without your parents. It requires a lot of discipline and focus.
That's why the announcement of the WTA-PIF Maternity Fund has taken our sport to another level for independent athletes. You can lose your sponsors, and, in the end, if you're not playing tournaments, you're not getting paid.
There are many players who don't earn enough or haven't saved enough to start a family, who return to the circuit."
