The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has implemented a new policy requiring players to undergo sex screening to establish their eligibility to compete as female. The updated rules, effective Tuesday, mandate that players must be screened for the SRY gene, a marker typically associated with male biological development.
This change marks a departure from the WTA's previous policy, which permitted biological males to compete in the women's category if their testosterone levels remained below a specified threshold. Under the new protocol, players must pass a sex screening, which can be conducted via a cheek swab, blood test, or saliva sample, before being deemed eligible for the female-only WTA Tour.
Any player returning a positive test will be subject to further medical evaluation. The policy also states that refusal to undergo testing could lead to disciplinary action. The WTA has stated its commitment to promoting equal athletic opportunities and maintaining fair competition while treating all players with dignity and respect.
Tennis icon Martina Navratilova expressed support for the WTA's decision, calling it a "step in the right direction." Navratilova emphasized the importance of clarity regarding the association's identity as a women's organization.
The WTA's move follows similar policy implementations by other sporting organizations, including World Boxing and World Athletics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has also announced plans to conduct sex testing for athletes in advance of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
