The International Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) is now introducing mandatory gender tests for all players who wish to compete on the women’s tour. The decision means that all active players must undergo a genetic test in order to be eligible to play in the women’s category.

The new policy takes effect as the WTA updates its competition rules for 2026. The test only needs to be conducted once during a player’s career and can be done via a blood test, saliva sample, or cheek swab.

Approval requires a negative test result showing the absence of the so-called SRY gene. The announcement comes shortly after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) stated that mandatory gender testing will be introduced ahead of the 2028 Olympics.

The WTA’s eligibility policy for the women’s category is designed to promote equal sporting opportunities within professional women’s tennis and ensure fair competition for all players participating in WTA tournaments.

– International Women’s Tennis Association

The International Ski Federation has also decided to introduce corresponding rules from 2027, which means that women’s tennis now joins a growing number of international sports with similar requirements, according to the BBC.

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The WTA emphasizes that the decision was preceded by a review of the regulations and discussions with the organization’s members. According to the organization, the new policy is based on biological sex.

The WTA is aware that this is a sensitive and complex issue and is committed to treating all players with dignity and implementing the policy in a respectful and thoughtful manner.

– International Women’s Tennis Association

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