Wire flash
SportsWTA mandates SRY gene test for all female players, effective immediately
Editorial responsibility
- No named human review is recorded for this page.
- Source reporting is collected, normalized, translated or condensed automatically when needed.
- Automatically published source-backed update
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has announced new participation rules requiring all female players to undergo a one-time genetic test for the SRY gene, which is located on the Y chromosome and determines male sexual characteristics. The policy takes effect immediately and applies to all players on the women's tour. The WTA acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue but stated it is committed to treating all players with dignity. The move follows similar policies in athletics and boxing, and was prompted by the controversy surrounding women's boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where athletes Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting were allowed to compete despite being excluded from previous world championships due to unspecified gender tests. Previously, the WTA allowed transgender women to compete if they identified as female and maintained reduced testosterone levels for two years. Currently, no transgender women are known to be active on the WTA tour.
Source report
Anyone wanting to join the women's tour must prove their correct gender. Source: Getty Images/Solskin
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) is tightening its participation requirements. Effective immediately, players must undergo a one-time genetic test to be eligible to compete on the women's tennis tour.
The WTA confirmed the new policy to the German Press Agency, citing updated participation conditions.
Sensitive and Complex Topic
"The WTA is aware that this is a sensitive and complex topic and is committed to treating all players with dignity and implementing the policy in a respectful and thoughtful manner," the association stated.
Comparable testing requirements have already been introduced by other international sports organizations, including those governing athletics and boxing.
Testing Protocol
Eligibility to participate in WTA tournaments will now be verified through a mandatory, one-time screening for the SRY gene. This test detects the presence of the gene located on the Y chromosome, which plays a decisive role in the development of male sexual characteristics.
The genetic test can be conducted via:
- A cheek swab
- A blood sample
- A saliva sample
Background and Trigger
The new policy takes effect this Tuesday. Previously, transgender women were permitted to participate in WTA tournaments provided they identified their gender as female and maintained a reduced testosterone level for two years prior to competition. Currently, no transgender women are known to be active on the WTA tour.
Imane Khelif celebrates Olympic gold in the women's 66 kg weight class.
The WTA is following the lead of the International Olympic Committee. The policy change was triggered by the debate surrounding women's boxing competitions at the 2024 Paris Games. Olympic champions Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting had previously been excluded from the World Championships by the then-governing body IBA, reportedly because they did not meet participation criteria based on an unspecified gender test. Both were allowed to compete at the Olympics.
dpa/SUF
Source
Nachrichten - WELTWestern
Part of this Story
WTA Mandates Genetic Testing for Women's Tennis Tour Participation