Tennis brings in sex tests: Martina Navratilova praises ‘step in the right direction’ as WTA launches new policy forcing stars to prove eligibility
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has become the latest sports organization to introduce genetic testing to determine players’ suitability to compete as women.
The board’s previous policy allowed biological males to compete in the women’s category if they maintained their testosterone levels below a certain level.
But now, in a change to the rules that will be implemented from Tuesday, WTA players must undergo gender screening for the SRY gene, which is found on the Y chromosome and usually plays a role in male gender development.
Once players pass testing, complete with a simple cheek swab, blood test or saliva sample, they will be eligible to compete on the women’s-only WTA Tour.
Meanwhile, a positive test will prompt further medical evaluation before a player is allowed to play against female opponents. Players must also sign documents acknowledging that refusing to take testing may result in disciplinary action.
Tennis icon Martina Navratilova, who has strong views on keeping transgender athletes out of women’s sport, was quick to praise the WTA for the move.
Barbora Krejcikova celebrates after winning the final WTA tournament in Athens on Sunday
Martina Navratilova (right, with the Princess of Wales at Wimbleon) praised the new policy
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka reacts to her final match against Naomi Osaka at Wimbledon
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In the policy itself, the WTA states: ‘The WTA’s women’s eligibility policy is designed to promote equal athletic opportunities in women’s professional tennis and to maintain fair competition for all players participating in WTA tournaments.
‘The WTA recognizes that this is a sensitive and complex issue and is committed to treating all players with dignity and enforcing the policy in a respectful and considerate manner.’
Other organizations such as World Boxing and World Athletics are already implementing similar tests for their athletes who want to compete in the women’s category.
The IOC also confirmed it will gender test athletes ahead of the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.
