Female tennis players must undergo genetic sex testing to play on WTA Tour

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) will introduce mandatory genetic sex testing for players wishing to compete on its Tour.

The new eligibility policy, which comes into effect on Tuesday, involves a one-time test for the presence of the SRY gene, which is part of the Y chromosome and is associated with the development of male characteristics.

Testing can be conducted via a cheek swab, blood test or saliva sample.

If a test is positive for the presence of the SRY gene, the player will face further medical assessment before being allowed to play.

Players will also be required to sign a document stating they may face disciplinary action if they refuse to be tested.

Under the previous policy, transgender women could compete after declaring their gender as female and maintaining testosterone levels below the WTA’s required threshold of 2.5 nmol/L for at least two years.

There are no known transgender women currently playing on the WTA Tour, or at any level of professional tennis.

The governing body said: “The WTA’s women’s eligibility policy is designed to promote equal athletic opportunities in women’s professional tennis and maintain fair competition for all players participating in WTA tournaments.

“Since first being introduced in 1975, the eligibility policy has undergone periodic review in light of developments across international sport.

“Following the most recent review, which included consultation with WTA members and evolving standards across women’s sport, the board approved a new policy beginning in 2026 based on biological sex.

“The WTA recognises that this is a sensitive and complex issue and is committed to treating all players with dignity and implementing the policy in a respectful and thoughtful way.

“This policy distinguishes between biological sex and gender identity, and between biological females and biological males, solely to the extent necessary to ensure that the policy is clear and has its intended effect. There is no intent to disrespect or question the gender identity or the dignity of any person.”

The move sees the WTA follow in the footsteps of several other sporting governing bodies.

World Athletics brought new regulations into effect last September, requiring female athletes to take a one-off gene test in order to compete, while World Boxing also introduced an SRY test in May last year which is compulsory for female athletes.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) also announced it would implement the policy ahead of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Additional reporting by PA