The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has implemented a new policy requiring all players to undergo genetic sex testing to compete on the WTA Tour. The policy, which comes into effect on 18 July 2026, involves a one-time cheek swab, blood, or saliva sample to test for the presence of the SRY gene, which causes male characteristics to develop.
According to the WTA, only a negative result will permit players to compete on the Tour. If a player tests positive, they will face further medical assessment before being allowed to play. The WTA's previous policy, last updated in 2024, allowed transgender women to compete on the Tour if they had lowered their testosterone levels to below 2.5 nmol/L continuously for the previous two years.
The WTA's women's eligibility policy aims to promote equal athletic opportunities in women's professional tennis and maintain fair competition for all players participating in WTA tournaments. The governing body has stated 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 change follows similar moves by World Athletics and World Boxing, which have also introduced mandatory sex testing for athletes competing in the female category. The WTA believes that this policy will help to maintain fair competition and promote equal athletic opportunities for all players.