One-time test becomes an entry requirement
The Women’s Tennis Association has introduced mandatory genetic testing for every player seeking eligibility to compete on its tour.
Under the policy, which took effect on July 21, players must complete a one-time screening for the SRY gene. Testing may be carried out using a cheek swab, saliva sample or blood sample.
The SRY gene is typically found on the Y chromosome and plays an important role in male sex development. A negative result grants automatic eligibility for WTA tournaments.
A positive result does not immediately produce a final ban. Instead, the player becomes ineligible to compete while further medical assessment is conducted, allowing the WTA to consider certain differences in sex development.
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According to the WTA’s updated eligibility policy, the change is intended “to preserve the integrity of women’s professional tennis and maintain fair competition conditions for all players participating in WTA Tournaments.”
Refusal could bring disciplinary action
Players are also required to sign a document acknowledging the new conditions. Refusal to undergo the test may result in disciplinary proceedings.
TASS reported, citing tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg, that players who return a positive result will undergo additional medical examination before their eligibility is decided.
The test is a screening mechanism rather than a complete diagnosis of an athlete’s sex development. The presence of the SRY gene usually indicates male-typical development, but variations can occur, which is why further assessment is required after a positive result.
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The WTA has said that the policy distinguishes between biological sex and gender identity only for determining eligibility. It also pledged to protect players’ confidentiality and treat all athletes with dignity throughout the process.
WTA follows new Olympic rules
The change brings professional women’s tennis into line with the International Olympic Committee’s rules for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Under the policy introduced by the IOC in March 2026, eligibility for the female category at future Olympic events is restricted to athletes classified as biologically female through a one-time SRY screening.
The IOC decision was not a blanket ban on transgender athletes, as initially stated in some reports. Transgender athletes may still compete in a category corresponding to their biological sex, provided they meet the relevant qualification and hormone-related requirements.
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Similar screening policies have already been adopted by governing bodies in athletics, boxing and skiing. Supporters argue that the rules protect fair competition, while human rights organisations and athlete advocates have raised concerns about privacy, medical complexity and the treatment of transgender athletes and competitors with differences in sex development.
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