WTA requires genetic sex testing for players to compete on tour
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 20, 2026, 9:09 AM
Last updated Jul 20, 2026
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) will mandate genetic sex testing for all players starting Tuesday. Each player must provide a sample to test for the SRY gene, associated with male characteristics. Only negative results will allow participation, while positives will necessitate further evaluation. This policy update aims to enhance fair competition and follows similar regulations in other sports. The WTA's previous rules allowed transgender women to compete by meeting testosterone thresholds, though no transgender women are currently active on the Tour.
- •Players must submit a cheek swab, blood, or saliva sample for testing.
- •Positive test results will require additional medical assessment.
- •Previous rules permitted transgender women with reduced testosterone levels.
- •The updated eligibility policy will begin on July 22, 2026.
- •This follows similar actions by World Athletics and World Boxing.
- 4:11 PMYahoo Sports — Female tennis players must undergo genetic sex testing to secure WTA Tour eligibility
- 2:18 PMYahoo Sports — Mandatory genetic sex tests for players to secure WTA eligibility
- 9:09 AMYahoo Sports — Players will need sex test to play on WTA Tour
- 9:09 AMBBC Sport — Players will need sex test to play on WTA Tour
"Tennis players will be required to undergo genetic sex testing in order to compete on the WTA Tour. The new eligibility policy, which comes into effect on Tuesday, involves a one-time test for the presence of the SRY gene, which is associated with male sex development.
"The move sees the WTA move in line with the IOC and other sporting governing bodies including World Athletics, despite there being no transgender women in professional tennis
"The Women's Tennis Association is to ask all players to undergo genetic sex testing in order to compete on the WTA Tour.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 20, 2026, 4:11 PMFemale tennis players must undergo genetic sex testing to secure WTA Tour eligibility
The move sees the WTA move in line with the IOC and other sporting governing bodies including World Athletics, despite there being no transgender women in professional tennis
- Yahoo SportsJul 20, 2026, 2:18 PMMandatory genetic sex tests for players to secure WTA eligibility
Tennis players will be required to undergo genetic sex testing in order to compete on the WTA Tour. The new eligibility policy, which comes into effect on Tuesday, involves a one-time test for the presence of the SRY gene, which is associated with male sex development.
- Yahoo SportsJul 20, 2026, 9:09 AMPlayers will need sex test to play on WTA Tour
The Women's Tennis Association is to ask all players to undergo genetic sex testing in order to compete on the WTA Tour.
- BBC SportJul 20, 2026, 9:09 AMPlayers will need sex test to play on WTA Tour
The Women's Tennis Association is to ask all players to undergo genetic sex testing in order to compete on the WTA Tour.
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