WTA Announces Mandatory Genetic Sex Testing for Tour Players

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) will require every player to undergo genetic sex testing before competing on the WTA Tour.

Under the updated eligibility policy taking effect on Tuesday, each player must submit a cheek swab, blood, or saliva sample to test for the SRY gene—a marker on the Y chromosome that indicates male characteristics.

Testing will be conducted only once in a player’s lifetime, and competition will be allowed only if the result is negative, confirming the absence of the gene.

If a test yields a positive result, the player will undergo additional medical evaluation before being permitted to compete.

Players must also sign a declaration acknowledging that refusal to undergo testing may result in disciplinary measures.

The WTA’s prior policy, updated in 2024, permitted transgender women to compete provided their testosterone remained below 2.5 nmol/L for at least two consecutive years.

No transgender women are presently competing on the WTA Tour.

“The WTA’s women’s eligibility policy aims to ensure equal athletic opportunities and fair competition for all participants in WTA tournaments,” the organization stated.

“Since its introduction in 1975, the eligibility policy has been periodically reviewed in response to evolving developments in international sport.”

“After the latest review—including consultations with WTA members and reflecting evolving women’s sport standards—the WTA board approved an updated eligibility policy effective in 2026, grounded in biological sex.”

The organization added that it acknowledges the sensitivity of the issue and is committed to treating all players with dignity while implementing the policy thoughtfully and respectfully.

The policy change follows World Athletics’ announcement a year earlier, which introduced regulations in September 2025 mandating a one‑time gene test for athletes seeking to compete in the female category for world ranking events.

World Boxing likewise approved the SRY test in May 2025, implementing mandatory sex testing for all athletes wishing to compete in the women’s category.

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