In a landmark policy shift, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) will now require all players to undergo genetic sex testing as a condition of competing on the WTA Tour.
WTA announced in a statement that effective Tuesday, the updated eligibility rules mandate a one-time cheek swab, blood, or saliva test to detect the SRY gene—a marker on the Y chromosome linked to male biological development. Only players who test negative for the gene will be cleared to compete; positive results will trigger further medical evaluation before any participation is allowed.
The new policy also includes a signed acknowledgment from players that refusal to test may lead to disciplinary consequences.
This replaces the 2024 framework, which permitted transgender women to compete if they maintained testosterone levels below 2.5 nmol/L for two consecutive years—though no transgender athletes are currently active on the Tour.
The WTA emphasised that the rule, first introduced in 1975 and periodically revised, aims to “promote equal athletic opportunities and maintain fair competition.”
The latest update, approved by the WTA board for 2026, follows consultations with members and aligns with evolving standards in women’s sports. While acknowledging the sensitivity of the issue, the organization pledged to implement the policy with respect and dignity for all players.
This move mirrors recent actions in other sports: World Athletics introduced a similar one-time gene test for female rankings in September 2025, and World Boxing mandated SRY testing for women’s categories in May 2025.
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