Women’s Tennis Association implements compulsory gene testing

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour has aligned itself with the International Olympic Committee, World Athletics and World Boxing and has made it mandatory for its players to undergo a “one-time screening process for the SRY gene” to secure their eligibility in the women’s category.

The SRY gene is “responsible for turning undifferentiated gonads into testes rather than ovaries.” The samples can either be collected through a cheek swab or blood sample. Prior to this, the WTA allowed transgender women and those who identified as non-binary to compete as long as they kept testosterone levels in their blood below 2.5 nmol/L when competing and the two years before. However, there is currently no known transgender women playing on the WTA Tour.

The new policy also requires players to sign a document that states they could face disciplinary action if they refuse testing.

The WTA’s statement reads: “The WTA's Women’s Eligibility policy is designed to promote equal athletic opportunities in women's professional tennis and maintain fair competition for all players participating in WTA tournaments…

Since first being introduced in 1975, the eligibility policy has undergone periodic review in light of developments across international sport. Following the most recent review, which included consultation with WTA members and evolving standards across women's sport, the WTA Board approved an updated WTA Women’s Eligibility Policy beginning in 2026 based on biological sex…

The updated WTA Women’s Eligibility Policy (the “Policy”) is intended to provide a clear eligibility standard for participation in WTA tournaments. Eligibility to participate in WTA tournaments will be confirmed through a required, one-time screening process for the SRY gene. Player screening will begin in 2026 [comes into effect on 21st July 2026], following all appropriate confidentiality and data privacy safeguards and concurrent with a comprehensive player engagement program…

The WTA recognizes that this is a sensitive and complex issue and is committed to treating all players with dignity and implementing the Policy in a respectful and thoughtful way.”

The Tour also added: “This policy distinguishes between biological sex and gender identity, and between biological females and biological males, solely to the extent necessary to ensure that the policy is clear and has its intended effect. There is no intent to disrespect or question the gender identity or the dignity of any person.”

The full policy can be found here.

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