The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has instituted a new policy requiring players to undergo a one-time genetic test to establish their eligibility to compete in the women's category. This move makes the WTA the latest sports organization to adopt mandatory SRY gene testing for athletes seeking to compete in women's events.
The updated eligibility policy mandates that players be screened for the SRY gene, which is located on the Y chromosome and plays a role in male-typical sex development. The test can be administered through a simple cheek swab, blood test, or saliva sample. Players who test negative for the SRY gene will be immediately eligible to compete on the WTA Tour. Those who test positive will undergo a further medical assessment before being cleared to play.
Refusal to undergo the required testing could lead to disciplinary action, according to the policy documentation that players must sign. The WTA stated that the policy aims to promote equal athletic opportunities and maintain fair competition within women's professional tennis.
This policy was developed after consultation with WTA members and a review of evolving eligibility standards across international women's sports. The previous policy, updated in 2024, allowed transgender-identifying males to compete in the women's category if they maintained testosterone levels below 2.5 nmol/L for a minimum of two years. The WTA noted that there are currently no known males competing on the WTA Tour.
The governing body acknowledged the sensitive and complex nature of the issue, emphasizing its commitment to treating all players with dignity and implementing the policy in a respectful manner. The new guidelines go into effect on Tuesday.
The WTA joins other athletic organizations such as World Athletics and World Boxing in implementing mandatory SRY gene testing. The International Olympic Committee has also indicated plans to use sex testing for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova expressed support for the WTA's decision, calling it a "step in the right direction." She stated on social media platform X, "I played no part in this particular policy, but am very happy that we at the WTA are clear that we are a women’s association and only women, as in females, can compete at the highest level of women’s tennis."