The Women's Tennis Association is implementing a mandatory one-time genetic sex test for all players on the women's tour [1].
This policy shift introduces a biological requirement for professional eligibility, fundamentally changing how the organization verifies gender categories for its athletes.
The WTA announced that all players must undergo a test for the SRY gene [1], [2]. The organization said the measure is intended to preserve the integrity of women's professional tennis by ensuring athletes compete in the appropriate gender category [2].
The policy became effective on Tuesday [3]. While the mandate applies to all events on the WTA Tour worldwide, the organization has specifically tied the testing requirement to eligibility for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games [1], [2].
Under the new rules, the SRY test is a one-time requirement [1]. The SRY gene is typically found on the Y chromosome and is a key factor in male sex determination. By requiring this specific genetic marker test, the WTA aims to standardize eligibility across its global tour, a move that establishes a strict biological baseline for competition.
Players who fail to comply with the testing mandate may find themselves ineligible for upcoming tour events and the 2028 Olympics [1], [3]. The WTA has not yet detailed the specific medical protocols for the testing process, or how the results will be stored and managed.
“The WTA is implementing a mandatory one-time genetic sex test for all players on the women's tour.”
This move signals a shift toward genetic verification over hormonal or phenotypic markers in professional sports. By mandating the SRY gene test, the WTA is adopting a binary biological standard for eligibility that may create legal and ethical friction regarding athletes with differences in sex development (DSD). This policy sets a precedent that other international sports federations may follow ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
