The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) will require all players to undergo genetic sex testing to compete on the WTA Tour. This new eligibility policy takes effect on Tuesday, July 22, 2026. Players must provide a cheek swab, blood, or saliva sample for testing.
The test specifically looks for the presence of the SRY gene. This gene is part of the Y chromosome and causes male characteristics to develop. Players will be tested only once in their lifetime. A negative result, showing no SRY gene, is required for a player to compete on the Tour. If a player tests positive, they will face further medical assessment before being allowed to play.
This policy change reflects a broader trend in international sports. World Athletics announced similar regulations in September 2025, requiring a one-time gene test for athletes in the female category. World Boxing also approved the SRY test in May 2025 for its women's category. These actions highlight a global push to define eligibility in women's sports based on biological sex.
The WTA stated that its eligibility policy aims to promote equal athletic opportunities. It also seeks to maintain fair competition for all players in WTA tournaments. The governing body confirmed that the policy has undergone periodic review since its introduction in 1975. The latest review included consultations with WTA members and considered evolving standards across women's sports. The WTA board approved this updated policy, which is based on biological sex, following this review.
The WTA acknowledges the sensitive and complex nature of this issue. It is committed to treating all players with dignity. The organization plans to implement the policy in a respectful and thoughtful way. Players must also sign a document agreeing to disciplinary action if they refuse testing. The previous WTA policy, updated in 2024, allowed transgender women to compete if their testosterone levels were below 2.5 nmol/L for two continuous years. There are currently no known transgender women playing on the WTA Tour.
This move by the WTA could influence other sports organizations. It sets a precedent for how professional women's sports might define eligibility moving forward. Athletes, governing bodies, and medical professionals will closely watch the implementation and impact of this new policy. The decision underscores ongoing debates about fairness and inclusion in competitive sports.