Women's tennis players must undergo one-time gene test for eligibility

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has announced that all players must pass a one-time gene test to be eligible to compete in women's tour events. The test detects the SRY gene, which helps determine biological sex, and can be done via a cheek swab or blood sample. The new policy takes effect on Tuesday, with screenings set to begin in 2026.

The previous WTA policy allowed transgender women to participate if they declared their gender as female and maintained lowered testosterone levels for two years. Currently, no known transgender women are active in professional tennis.

A WTA spokesperson said the association recognizes this is a sensitive issue and is committed to treating all players with dignity.

Reactions to the decision are mixed. Martina Navratilova, an 18-time Grand Slam singles champion, has been a vocal critic of transgender inclusion in sports. World number one Aryna Sabalenka also said it would be unfair for women to face transgender players. However, Billie Jean King, a 12-time Grand Slam winner, sees exclusion as discrimination.

Several sports federations, including World Athletics and World Boxing, have already introduced similar gene tests. In March, the International Olympic Committee stated that only biological female athletes who pass a one-time test would be eligible for women's events at the Olympics.

Transgender advocacy groups argue that excluding transgender athletes amounts to discrimination. Critics of transgender inclusion say that male puberty provides a musculoskeletal advantage that transition does not reverse.