The WTA has announced that tennis players will have to undergo genetic sex testing to play on the women's tour. <p>In an update to its eligibility policy, the WTA confirmed that athletes will have to undergo a one-time test for the SRY gene, which determines biological sex, coming into effect on Tuesday, with players facing disciplinary action should they refuse testing.</p><p>Previous WTA rules allowed the participation of transgender women provided their declared gender was female and they maintained a lower testosterone level for two years before competing.</p><p>There are no known transgender women on the WTA Tour or at any level of professional tennis.</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.skysports.com/tennis/scores-schedule"><strong>Latest tennis scores and results</strong></a> 🎾</li><li><a href="https://qrcode.skysports.com/skysports/ContentPromo" target="_blank"><strong>Download Sky Sports app for analysis, news and video</strong></a> 📺</li><li><strong>Not got Sky? <a href="https://www.sky.com/tv/sports?dcmp=Ilc_skysports_nc_articlelink" target="_blank">Get Sky Sports</a> or <a href="https://www.nowtv.com/watch-sky-sports-online?DCMP=ilc_skysports_nc_articlelink" target="_blank">stream with no contract</a> </strong>📱</li></ul><widget id="1"></widget><p>"The updated policy is intended to provide a clear eligibility standard for participation in WTA tournaments," a statement from the WTA read.</p><p>"Eligibility to participate in WTA tournaments will be confirmed through a required, one-time screening process for the SRY gene.</p><p>"Player screening will begin in 2026, following all appropriate confidentiality and data privacy safeguards and concurrent with a comprehensive player engagement program.<br /><br />"The WTA recognises 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 way."</p><p>The change in regulations follows the enforcement of SRY testing for female athletes by World Athletics and World Boxing in 2025.</p>
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