The WTA has required female tennis players to verify their gender through genetic testing
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has amended the rules for participation in its tournaments. From now on, female tennis players will be required to confirm their gender through genetic testing.
The new rules take effect on July 21. All female athletes participating in WTA-sanctioned tournaments must undergo a one-time test for the SRY (Sex-determining Region Y) gene. This gene is typically located on the Y chromosome, which is associated with the male sex, and plays a role in male-pattern development. The test may be conducted using a cheek swab, a blood sample, or a saliva sample.
The test will need to be taken only once. Only female athletes who test negative for the SRY gene will be allowed to compete. If the test yields a positive result, the tennis player must undergo an additional medical examination, after which a decision will be made regarding her eligibility to compete in tournaments. The new rules do not specify the exact nature of this examination.
In addition, female tennis players will be required to sign a document stating that refusal to undergo the test may result in penalties.
The previous version of the WTA rules, adopted in 2024, allowed transgender women to participate in women’s tennis tournaments provided they maintained reduced testosterone levels for two years prior to the start of the competition. At the same time, BBC News notes that there is currently no information regarding the participation of such athletes in WTA tournaments.
The organization stated that the new policy is intended to ensure equal sporting opportunities in professional women’s tennis and promote fair competition among all participants in WTA tournaments.
This was reported by BBC News, citing the organization’s newly revised regulations.
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