Iga Świątek Responds to WTA’s Genetic Sex Testing Debate As Player Testing Begins in Cincinnati

Fresh off claiming her first title of the 2026 season at the Canadian Open, former World No. 1 Iga Świątek has arrived in Ohio for the Cincinnati Open. While the on-court action is heating up ahead of the US Open, the Pole was asked to chime in on the WTA’s updated Genetic Testing Policy, which has recently sparked debate. And Świątek made it clear that she sees it as something that goes beyond her personal opinion and affects sports as a whole.

Iga Swiatek Shuts Down WTA Genetic Sex Testing Question Ahead of Cincinnati Open

Ahead of her first match in Cincinnati, Świątek was asked whether the WTA’s new mandatory genetic testing policy had caught her off guard or whether she had known that it was being planned. The World No. 5 said she was already aware of the policy and that its introduction did not come as a surprise to her.

The six-time Grand Slam winner also made it clear that she would not comment on a global sports issue when asked whether she favors the policy.

“I think we should stick to all the official communication regarding this topic. Overall, I know it’s not a topic that any individual player should talk about because it’s about all sports, and it goes far beyond just one person, so I don’t feel like I need to [comment further], Świątek said.

Under previous rules, the tour allowed transgender women to compete if they kept their testosterone levels low for two years. As per the new policy announced by WTA in July, every player must undergo a one-time test, using a cheek swab, saliva, or blood to check for the SRY gene, which triggers male sex development. This update brings the WTA in line with the International Olympic Committee’s latest testing framework.

Meanwhile, Jessica Pegula, a key member of the WTA Players’ Council, provided a clear update on how the testing is actually going. Speaking to Front Office Sports, Pegula confirmed that the screening officially began at the Cincinnati Open and that players are well prepared.

“It definitely wasn’t something that was kind of brought all on us out of nowhere here in Cincinnati… I think it’s a hot topic right now, but I think the tour is doing a pretty good job, and players seem to be okay with everything.”

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The American also noted that the process has been smooth for athletes so far:

“I know some of the testing has started this week. And so far, I’ve heard it’s been very easy; it’s been very simple, no complaints.”

In the WTA landscape, many current and former pros have backed the new rule. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka supported the mandate, calling it “really important to keep the fairness” in the tour. 18-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova has also long advocated for biological boundaries in female categories. Coco Gauff gave a balanced take, stating she agrees with protecting biological fairness while supporting the transgender community.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.