WTA Introduces Mandatory Genetic Testing for Players

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has announced a new policy requiring players to undergo genetic sex testing to compete on the tour, effective from 2026. Players will need to provide a cheek swab, blood, or saliva sample to test for the presence of the SRY gene, which is part of the Y chromosome and can lead to male characteristics.

Each player will be tested only once, and a negative result will allow them to compete. If a player tests positive, they will undergo further medical assessment.

Additionally, players must sign a document acknowledging that refusal to take the test may result in disciplinary action. This update follows a review of the WTA's eligibility policy, which has been in place since 1975, and aims to promote equal opportunities for women in professional tennis while maintaining fair competition.

The WTA's previous policy allowed transgender women to compete if their testosterone levels were below 2.5 nmol/L for two years, but no known transgender women currently compete on the WTA tour.