"For someone who goes on maternity break, they should be protected. These kind of things shouldn't happen. She has won this title so many times that she needs protection."
Tuesday 20 March 2018 19:22, UK
Serena Williams and other tennis players who return from maternity leave should have a "grace period" and current seeding rules are a "kind of punishment", says Miami Open tournament director James Blake.
Blake, a former world No 4, gave his views after eight-time champion Williams was drawn to meet Indian Wells winner Naomi Osaka in the first round in Florida.
Williams made her return to the WTA Tour at the BNP Paribas Open in the California desert after taking 13 months away to have her first child and holds no official ranking despite her standing in the sport.
"I think they are going to start talking about changing the way some seedings are done and I hope they do," Blake said.
"For someone who goes on maternity break, they should be protected. These kind of things shouldn't happen. She has won this title so many times that she needs protection.
"It's not as if she left because of injury and lost her passion for the game. She had a kid which we should all be celebrating so when she comes back there should be a grace period where she can still be seeded.
"It's a kind of punishment which is tough. I hope they revisit those talks although it will be too late for her unless she decides to have another child."
Despite the testing opener for the 23-time Grand Slam champion, Blake does not expect Williams to bemoan the outcome of the draw.
Blake added: "I may be complaining about it but she never would. She is looking forward to every day as a new challenge and that's what makes her such a good champion.
"But for me, from the outside looking in, it makes sense to protect someone who goes on maternity leave and help her get the benefit of an easier draw and a better path."
You can watch more ATP Masters 1000 action from the Miami Open when we return on Sky Sports Arena next Wednesday at 3pm.
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