London, July 20: The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has announced a significant change to its eligibility rules. Starting now, all players wishing to compete on the WTA Tour must undergo a one-time genetic sex test.
Under the updated eligibility policy for women, players will be required to provide a sample of saliva, blood, or a cheek swab to test for the sex-determining region Y (SRY) gene. This gene is part of the Y chromosome and is responsible for the development of male physical characteristics.
Only those female players whose test results are ‘negative’—indicating the absence of this gene—will be deemed eligible to compete. Players who test ‘positive’ will undergo further medical evaluations before any decisions are made. This test will only need to be conducted once throughout a player’s career. Additionally, players must sign a declaration acknowledging that refusal to take the test may result in disciplinary action.
Previously, under the WTA’s 2024 rules, transgender women were allowed to compete, provided they maintained testosterone levels below 2.5 mmol/L for two consecutive years. Currently, no transgender women are participating in the WTA Tour.
The governing body stated, “The aim of the WTA’s women’s eligibility policy is to promote equal opportunities in women’s professional tennis and ensure fair competition for all players in WTA tournaments. Since its inception in 1975, this policy has been periodically reviewed in light of changes in international sports. Following recent evaluations, which included discussions with WTA members and the evolving standards in women’s sports, the WTA board has approved an updated women’s eligibility policy based on biological sex, effective from 2026. The WTA recognizes that this is a sensitive and complex issue. We are committed to treating all players with respect and implementing this policy thoughtfully and honorably.”
This decision follows similar measures taken by other governing bodies. In September 2025, World Athletics introduced mandatory gene testing for athletes competing in the women’s category at world-ranking events, while World Boxing approved mandatory SRY testing for all participants in the women’s category in May 2025.
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