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

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.

Women's tennis players who choose to undergo a fertility protection procedure will be allowed to take time away from the sport and return to competitive action with a protected ranking, the WTA announced Wednesday.