By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: AELTC.
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has enacted a policy requiring that all players must undergo genetic sex testing in order to maintain their eligibility to compete on the WTA Tour.
The body said the once-in-a-lifetime test for the SRY gene, which helps in determining biological sex, can be conducted via a cheek swab or blood test, with the new policy coming into effect on Tuesday.
Players will be tested just once in their lifetime and only a negative result, showing no presence of the gene, will permit them to compete on the Tour.
If they test positive, players will face further medical assessment before being allowed to play.
The new policy also requires players to sign a document that states they could face disciplinary action if they refuse testing.
The previous WTA policy permitted transgender women to participate if they declared their gender as female and then maintained a lowered testosterone level for a period of two years before competing.
There are no known transgender women currently active at any level of professional tennis.
“Eligibility to participate in WTA tournaments will be confirmed through a required, one-time screening process for the SRY gene,” a WTA spokesperson said.
“Player screening will begin in 2026, following all appropriate confidentiality and data privacy safeguards and concurrent with a comprehensive player engagement program.
“The WTA recognizes 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.”
The policy change comes a year after World Athletics announced new regulations – brought into effect in September 2025 – requiring athletes wanting to compete in the female category for world ranking competitions to take a one-time gene test.