The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has announced a new eligibility rule for players competing on the women’s professional tour.
Under the new policy, all players must complete a one-time genetic sex test before they can participate in WTA events.
The test checks for the presence of the SRY gene, which is required for at least two years before competition. The updated policy replaces those eligibility requirements with the new genetic testing standard found on the Y chromosome and is used as one of the biological markers for determining sex.
The new rule takes effect on Tuesday, and any player who refuses to take the test may face disciplinary action, including being declared ineligible to compete.
The statement released by the WTA reads, “The updated policy is intended to provide a clear eligibility standard for participation in WTA tournaments.
“Eligibility to participate in WTA tournaments will be confirmed through a required, one-time screening process for the SRY gene.
“Player screening will begin in 2026, following all appropriate confidentiality and data privacy safeguards and concurrent with a comprehensive player engagement program.
“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.”
Before, the WTA allowed transgender women to compete in the women’s category if they declared their gender as female and maintained testosterone levels below the required limit for at least two years before competition. The updated policy replaces those eligibility requirements with the new genetic testing standard.
In May 2025, World Boxing also introduced mandatory sex testing for all athletes wishing to compete in the women’s category. As part of the new eligibility rules, the organization approved the use of the SRY gene test to determine biological sex.
