The Women's Tennis Association has officially updated its women's eligibility policy to require genetic sex testing for all players competing on the WTA Tour, with the new rules coming into effect this week.
Under the revised framework, players must submit a cheek swab, blood, or saliva sample to be screened for the SRY gene, a component of the Y chromosome responsible for triggering the development of male biological characteristics. The screening is a one-time process, meaning players will not need to be retested throughout their careers. Only a negative result, confirming the absence of the SRY gene, grants automatic eligibility to compete. Players who test positive will undergo further medical evaluation before any eligibility determination is made.
The policy also introduces a compliance requirement: players must sign a document acknowledging that refusing to be tested could result in disciplinary action.
This marks a significant departure from the WTA's previous 2024 policy, which permitted transgender women to participate provided they had maintained testosterone levels below 2.5 nmol/L for at least two consecutive years. It is worth noting that no transgender women are currently known to be playing at any level of professional tennis.
In a statement, the WTA emphasized that the updated rules are rooted in biological sex and followed consultation with WTA members. The governing body acknowledged the sensitivity of the topic, pledging to handle implementation with dignity and respect for all players.
The WTA is not alone in adopting this approach. World Athletics brought SRY testing into force in September 2025, and World Boxing approved the same method in May 2025 for its women's category.
TennisDraw users tracking the women's tour will want to stay current as this policy shapes the competitive landscape going forward.
