The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has become the latest sporting organization to implement genetic testing in a bid to establish players’ eligibility to compete as a female.
The governing body’s previous policy permitted biological males to compete in the women’s category if they maintained testosterone levels below a certain level.
But now a tweak to the rules – which will be implemented from Tuesday – states that WTA players must undergo a sex screening for the SRY gene, which is found on the Y chromosome and is typically involved in male sex development.
Only once they have passed the test – which is completed through a simple cheek swab, blood test or saliva sample – will players be eligible to compete on the female-only WTA Tour.
A positive test, meanwhile, will spark further medical assessment before a player is cleared to play against their female rivals. Players must also sign documentation acknowledging that refusal to be tested could result in disciplinary action.
Tennis icon Martina Navratilova, who has been strong in her views on keeping trans athletes out of women’s sport, was quick to praise the WTA for making the move.
Barbora Krejcikova celebrates after winning the latest WTA tournament in Athens on Sunday
Martina Navratilova (right, with the Princess of Wales at Wimbleon) has praised the new policy
World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka reacts during her last match, against Naomi Osaka at Wimbledon
Writing on X, she said it was a ‘step in the right direction’, adding: ‘I played no part in this particular policy, but am very happy that we at the WTA are clear that we are a women’s association and only women, as in females, can compete at the highest level of women’s tennis.’
In the policy itself, the WTA states: ‘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.
‘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.’
Other organizations, such as World Boxing and World Athletics, have already implemented similar testing for its athletes seeking to compete in the women’s category.
The IOC has also confirmed it will sex test athletes ahead of the next Olympic Games, which will be held in Los Angeles in 2028.
