The Women's Tennis Association now requires all players on the women's tour to undergo a one-time gene test for eligibility [1, 2].
This policy shift addresses the ongoing global debate regarding transgender athlete inclusion in women's sports and aims to establish a biological baseline for competition [1, 3].
According to the updated eligibility rules, players must be tested for the SRY gene to verify biological sex [1, 2]. The SRY gene is the primary determinant for male biological development. By mandating this screen, the WTA seeks to ensure that all competitors on the professional tour meet specific biological criteria [1, 2].
The policy update was announced July 19, 2026 [2]. The mandate applies to all athletes competing across the global professional tour, regardless of their ranking or nationality [1].
This requirement represents a move toward more stringent biological verification in professional tennis. While the tour has previously managed eligibility through various regulatory frameworks, the transition to a genetic test marks a significant change in how the organization monitors the biological sex of its athletes [1, 3].
The implementation of the SRY gene test is intended to resolve disputes over fair competition by providing a definitive genetic marker [1, 3]. The WTA said it has not specified the exact timeline for when every current player must complete the test, though the mandate is now in effect [1, 2].
“All women’s‑tour players must undergo a one‑time test for the SRY gene to verify biological sex”
The WTA's decision to implement genetic screening signals a shift toward a biological-essentialist definition of eligibility in women's professional sports. By focusing on the SRY gene, the organization is prioritizing chromosomal and genetic markers over hormonal levels or self-identification, which may create a legal and ethical precedent for other international sporting bodies facing similar pressure regarding transgender inclusion.
