By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
It has been announced that, with effect from 21 July 2026, the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) will require all players to undergo genetic sex testing to be able to compete on the WTA Tour.
Players will be required to provide a cheek swab, blood or saliva sample to test for the presence of the SRY gene which is part of the Y chromosome and causes male characteristics to develop.
They will be tested just once in their lifetime and only a negative result, showing no presence of the SRY gene, will allow them to compete on the Tour.
If players test positive, they will face a further medical assessment before being allowed to compete.
Under the new policy, players will also be required to sign a document to the effect that they could face disciplinary action if they refuse to undergo the testing.
The WTA has stated as follows:
"The WTA's women's eligibility policy is designed to promote equal athletic opportunities in women's professional tennis and maintain fair competition for all players participating in WTA tournaments.”
And has added as follows:
“Since first being introduced in 1975, the eligibility policy has undergone periodic review in light of developments across international sport. Following the most recent review, which included consultation with WTA members and evolving standards across women's sport, the WTA board approved an updated WTA women's eligibility policy beginning in 2026 based on biological sex.”
Such testing is, of course, a sensitive and complex issue and the WTA has confirmed that it is “committed to treating all players with dignity and implementing the policy in a respectful and thoughtful way."
It will be interesting to see if there are any legal challenges to this new policy on human rights or other grounds.
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘