WTA Genetic Eligibility
Women's Tennis Association to Require Genetic Gender Testing for Athlete Eligibility Starting in 2026
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The Women's Tennis Association is set to require all players to take a one-time genetic gender test starting in 2026, according to Yardbarker. The test checks for the SRY gene, a key marker used to determine biological sex, and can be done with a simple cheek swab or blood test.
The policy change makes the WTA one of the first major women's sports leagues to adopt this kind of genetic screening. The International Olympic Committee rolled out a similar one-time test earlier this spring, Charlotte Observer reported.
How the SRY Gene Test Actually Works
The SRY gene plays a key role in male biological development. Its presence typically signals male sex chromosomes. Players will only need to take the test once. Results will then determine whether an athlete is eligible to compete on the WTA tour, according to News Observer.
The test is simple and non-invasive. Athletes can use a cheek swab, which takes just seconds, or opt for a blood test. The one-time nature of the test means players will not face repeated screenings throughout their careers, Star-Telegram reported.
WTA Follows the IOC's Lead on Genetic Testing
The WTA's move mirrors a policy the International Olympic Committee adopted earlier in 2025. The IOC also chose a one-time genetic test as its standard for determining eligibility in women's competition. That decision gave other sports organizations a major framework to follow.
The WTA's new policy signals a broader shift in how women's sports leagues handle eligibility questions. Rather than relying on hormone level monitoring, which requires ongoing testing, the SRY gene screen sets a single biological benchmark, according to Charlotte Observer.
Players Split: Some Cheer the Rule, Others Call It Discrimination
Current and former professional players have spoken out on both sides. Some pros support the policy, saying it protects fair competition in women's tennis. They argue that biological differences give some athletes an unfair edge.
But other current WTA players push back hard. Critics of the policy call it discriminatory against transgender athletes. They argue that barring players based on genetics singles out a group for unfair treatment. The debate mirrors fights playing out across women's sports worldwide, News Observer reported.
What Happens Next as 2026 Deadline Approaches
The WTA has not yet said exactly how it will roll out testing or handle disputes over results. The 2026 start date gives the tour roughly a year to build out the program. Players will likely need to complete testing before the season begins, according to Yardbarker.
The policy puts the WTA at the center of a fast-moving global debate over gender and sports eligibility. With the IOC already moving in the same direction, more leagues could follow. How the WTA handles early cases may set the tone for women's sports for years to come, Star-Telegram noted.
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