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WTA introduces gene testing for all players on women's tennis tour

   The Associated Press | Posted: July 20, 2026 9:19 PM | Last
   Updated: July 20

   One-off mandatory testing for SRY gene required to compete at
   2028 Olympics

   Image | WTA 250 event: Eastbourne Open

   Caption: Women's tennis players are to be tested for the SRY
   gene, a segment of DNA typically found on the Y chromosome that
   initiates male sex development in utero and indicates the
   presence of testes. (Peter Nicholls/Getty Images for LTA)
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   The Women's Tennis Association is introducing one-off mandatory
   gene-testing for all players effective from Tuesday, a
   requirement to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
   The WTA updated its women's eligibility policy to include
   gender screening "based on biological sex" this week "to
   preserve the integrity of women's professional tennis and
   maintain fair competition conditions for all players."
   The new policy takes the organization in line with the
   eligibility policy introduced by the International Olympic
   Committee in March to align with U.S. President Donald Trump's
   executive order on sports ahead of the 2028 Games.
   The WTA is complying with what is effectively an order from the
   IOC that Olympic sports bodies are following, though it
   remained unclear how many, if any, transgender women are
   competing at Games level.
   Players are to be tested for the SRY gene, a segment of DNA
   typically found on the Y chromosome that initiates male sex
   development in utero and indicates the presence of testes.
     * Skiing's governing body approves gender eligibility testing
       policy

   "In this policy, ‘biological male’ means an individual who,
   regardless of their legal sex or gender identity, has an SRY
   gene and therefore has or previously had testes or streak
   testes; and ‘biological female’ means an individual who,
   regardless of their legal sex or gender identity, has no SRY
   gene and therefore has or previously had ovaries or streak
   ovaries."
   The WTA said the policy distinguishes between biological sex
   and gender identity, and that there is "no intent to disrespect
   or question the gender identity or the dignity of any person."
   The mandatory gender screening, already conducted by the
   governing bodies of track and field, skiing and boxing, has
   been criticized by human rights experts and activist groups.

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