Working moms have made history at the U.S. Open tennis tournament when nine days in, three qualified for its quarterfinals. It’s the first time in history that three mothers have gone that far at the same major.
In the 50 years of professional women’s tennis, only Belgium’s Kim Clijsters (2009), and Australia’s Evonne Goolagong (1980) and Margaret Court (1973), have a won a grand slam event such as the U.S. Open.
Chances are good that this year another will claim the title. (Our bet is Serena Williams.)
The achievement is noteworthy because even today female athletes are fighting for equality.
It’s only been since 2006 that female tennis players earn the same prize money as men in the grand slam competitions.
Women also are saddled with the perception that motherhood in general begets some kind of deficiency, rendering women less competent or committed.
Working moms are routinely passed over for promotions or outright dismissed.
When on the campaign trail, Sen. Elizabeth Warren frequently recalled when in 1971 she was fired from her teaching position after disclosing she was pregnant. Her situation was not an anomaly. Just a couple of generations ago it was company policy to dismiss pregnant employees and bypass mothers altogether.
Yes, today such discrimination is against federal law, but unfortunately, that hasn’t stopped the practice.
Women frequently face the bias that motherhood compromises their ability to adequately do the job.
And yet for men, fatherhood often enhances their job prospects because it projects maturity and responsibility.
Bulgaria’s Tsvetana Pironkova, one of this year’s quarterfinalists, age 32, explained how motherhood has changed her perspective as a professional athlete.
“You become a different person. You don’t focus on yourself that much anymore. … And I guess that’s a good thing. I’m a lot more organized. I have more mental endurance, also.”
Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, age 31, formerly ranked No. 1, is making her way back into the top tier after giving birth to her son, Leo, in 2016.
And at age 38, Williams, mother of 2-year-old Olympia, is on track to win her 24th Grand Slam event, tying the record of Australia’s Court.
All three mothers talk about the privilege of being a professional athlete and the opportunity it provides to be good role models for their children.
