The tennis body orders female players to have a one-time eligibility test

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has introduced a new policy requiring players to undergo a one-off genetic test to confirm their eligibility to compete in the women’s tournament, marking a significant shift in the governing body’s participation rules.

The policy, which takes effect Tuesday, mandates a screening test for the SRY gene, a gene linked to biological sex determination. The test can be performed using a cheek swab or blood sample and will only be required once during a player’s career.

The WTA confirmed that the move supersedes its previous regulations, which allowed transgender women to compete in women’s tournaments if they declared a female gender identity and maintained their testosterone levels below a prescribed limit for a specified period of time.

According to the governing body, there are currently no known transgender women competing at any level of professional tennis.

A WTA spokesperson said that “eligibility to participate in WTA tournaments will be confirmed through the required one-time screening process for the SRY gene”. The organization added that the new framework will be implemented alongside an extensive player engagement programme.

WTA FOLLOWS OTHER SPORTING BODIES

The decision brings the WTA into line with a growing number of international sports organizations that have introduced stricter eligibility criteria for women’s competitions. Earlier, World Athletics announced that athletes wishing to compete in the women’s category at world-ranking events would have to undergo a one-time test for the SRY gene, while the International Olympic Committee also moved to make genetic screening mandatory for women’s events.

In a statement to Reuters, the WTA stressed that the vetting process would be conducted under “strict standards of confidentiality and privacy” and acknowledged the sensitivity of the matter.

“We understand that sex and gender issues can be complex, and we are committed to treating this topic with dignity and respect,” the organization said.

The policy has reignited debate over the rules of participation in women’s sports, with supporters arguing that genetic testing is necessary to preserve fairness and competitive balance, while critics have called such measures discriminatory against transgender athletes and some athletes with gender differential development (DSD).

The WTA’s current women’s eligibility policy states that it strives to provide a safe and supportive environment for all female athletes while maintaining “fair and meaningful conditions of competition” in professional tennis. The governing body also said the policy would continue to be subject to regular review in light of future scientific and legal developments.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

20 Jul 2026 15:02 IST