Two-time grand slam champion Victoria Azarenka has told CNN Sport that a landmark maternity fund created for professional women’s tennis players is a game-changing moment for the sport.

Women’s tennis players will receive up to 12 months of paid maternity leave for the first time under an initiative announced Thursday by the Women’s Tennis Association and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

Women's tennis players will be eligible for paid maternity leave, other maternity benefits and fertility treatments through a joint initiative supported by the WTA and Public Investment Fund, the groups said Thursday.

The WTA is offering its players paid maternity leave for the first time as part of its partnership with the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund. In an announcement on Thursday, the WTA said pregnant players on the tour can receive 12 months of paid maternity leave.

Pregnant players on the women’s tennis tour now can receive 12 months of paid maternity leave, and those who become parents can get two months off with pay.

The funding includes grants for in vitro fertilization and egg freezing, with stipulations on eligibility based on tournament participation.