WTA Introduces Mandatory Genetic Sex Testing for All Women’s Players
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has announced a landmark policy requiring every player to undergo a one-time genetic test to confirm the absence of the SRY gene, a key marker associated with male sex development. The new eligibility rules take effect from Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
Under the policy, players must provide a blood, saliva or cheek swab sample. Those testing negative for the SRY gene will be eligible to compete. A positive result will trigger further medical assessment. Players are required to sign a consent form, with refusal potentially leading to disciplinary action, including periods of ineligibility.
The move replaces the WTA’s previous 2024 framework, which permitted transgender women to compete if they maintained testosterone levels below 2.5 nmol/L for two years. No transgender women are currently active on the WTA Tour. The change brings the tour in line with stricter biological criteria adopted by bodies such as World Athletics.
A WTA spokesperson confirmed that “eligibility to participate in WTA tournaments will be confirmed through a required, one-time screening process for the SRY gene,” with privacy safeguards and player education programmes in place.
The announcement has received support from prominent figures including Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert and current world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, who have emphasised the need to protect the integrity and fairness of women’s competition.
Public reaction has been mixed. Supporters view the policy as a necessary step to ensure a level playing field, particularly following debates in other sports over performance advantages linked to male puberty. Critics argue that universal testing is invasive, raises privacy concerns, and could stigmatise players with rare differences of sex development (DSD).
The policy applies to all competitors and includes strong confidentiality provisions. It reflects ongoing global discussions in elite sport about balancing inclusion, fairness and scientific criteria. The International Olympic Committee is expected to issue updated gender eligibility guidelines in early 2026.
Tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg, who first reported details of the policy document, noted its binding nature on all players and the clear shift toward biological criteria.
Players will begin the screening process in the coming weeks. The decision is likely to intensify debate within tennis and across women’s sport worldwide, potentially influencing other governing bodies.
