US Open To Consider Serena's Pregnancy In Seeding Players

Unlike the recently-concluded French Open, the upcoming Grand Slam, US Open will now onwards start considering pregnancy when it comes to deciding the seeding of players.

The move brings much relief to the players, especially top players like Serena Williams who at the French Open sparked debate due to her un-seeded placement

The US Open has decided that while making seedings, they will keep all situations in mind so players aren't penalized for having a baby or starting families, US Tennis Association president Katrina Adams said in a New York Times report, TOI reported.

New mom Serena's fans were outraged when she had to compete in the French Open as an unseeded player.  “This was the most natural thing to do on the women’s circuit – the officials certainly have not taken a great call here,” Tennis legend Boris Becker back then argued over organisers’ decision to keep Serena Williams unseeded for the 2018 French Open.  “Serena does have her work cut out for her in the form of top seed Simona Halep, defending champion Jelena Ostapenko, Garbine Muguruza and the ever-dangerous Maria Sharapova,” he added.

Now the change comes after French Open officials were hugely criticized for the manner in which they handled the return of Serena Williams, winner of 23 Grand Slams.

Katrina Adams has stated, "We think it's a good message for our current female players and future players."

Adams also mentioned that any woman – player, non-player – should have the authority to make a decision to be a mother or not and then if they want to and can return to their job whenever they decide. "We think it's a good message for our current female players and future players. It's OK to go out and be a woman and become a mother and then come back to your job and I think that's a bigger message," she added.

READ: Fed Cup Doubles: Serena Returns with Sister, Olympia Watches Mum

Well, this is a much needed step.

Feature Image Credit: Reuters

READ: Serena Williams Talks About Sexism

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