Women’s Tennis Association tests player genes for eligibility

A new policy from the Women’s Tennis Association went into effect Tuesday, requiring all players to take a one-off genetic test to establish their sex before competing. The policy will preserve the integrity of women’s tennis while keeping competition fair for all players, the WTA said. It was designed to promote equal athletic opportunities, the sports association added.

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova praised the association for the new policy. WTA made clear that only women can compete at the highest level of women’s tennis, the former Czech-American player said Sunday.

How will the genetic test work? Players will be tested once in their lifetime for the presence of the SRY gene, which is found on the Y chromosome and causes male characteristics to develop. The test can be completed with a cheek swab, blood, or saliva sample. If a player tests positive, they will have to prove to the tennis association’s medical personnel that they have Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome or another developmental sex disorder.

The new policy also required players to sign a document stating they risk disciplinary action if they refuse testing.

Have other sports associations implemented the test? The International Olympic Committee announced plans to implement such a test for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Last year, World Boxing and World Athletics enacted similar SRY gene tests.

Dig deeper: Read Harrison Watters’ report on the International Olympic Committee’s decision to affirm biology.