WTA mandates genetic testing for all players before 2028 Olympics
ESPN Tennis • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 20, 2026, 4:19 PM
Last updated Jul 20, 2026
The Women's Tennis Association has announced that, effective July 21, all players must undergo a one-time SRY gene test to maintain eligibility for participation in competitions, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The updated policy comes after a similar mandate from the International Olympic Committee earlier this year. The testing will be administered via blood sample or cheek swab, covered by the WTA. Positive test results will render players ineligible unless they can confirm a medical condition that justifies their status. The WTA has not publicly detailed the reasoning for this policy change or stated whether it consulted with medical professionals or athletes.
- •WTA updates eligibility policy to include genetic testing requirements.
- •Testing is necessary for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
- •Policy change was quietly posted on the WTA website on July 19.
- •The WTA covers the costs of the SRY gene tests for players.
- •Critics have voiced concerns over the implications for athletes' rights.
- 5:00 PMESPN Tennis — WTA starting gene testing for all players on tour
- 4:10 PMYahoo Sports — WTA mandates genetic testing for all future competitions
"The WTA is introducing one-off mandatory gene-testing for all players effective from Tuesday -- a requirement to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
"The WTA quietly updated its eligibility policy on July 20 to require an SRY gene test, following a similar policy implemented by the IOC in March.
Sources
External links- ESPN TennisJul 20, 2026, 5:00 PMWTA starting gene testing for all players on tour
The WTA is introducing one-off mandatory gene-testing for all players effective from Tuesday -- a requirement to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
- Yahoo SportsJul 20, 2026, 4:10 PMWTA mandates genetic testing for all future competitions
The WTA quietly updated its eligibility policy on July 20 to require an SRY gene test, following a similar policy implemented by the IOC in March.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
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