Martina Navratilova clarifies WTA policy stance after genetic testing rule change

Martina Navratilova made it clear on Tuesday that she had no hand in crafting the WTA’s newly announced genetic screening policy for female players.

The 18-time Grand Slam singles champion welcomed the policy’s core principle-keeping the women’s category open only to biological females-while stressing her limited role in the process.

What happened?

The Women’s Tennis Association unveiled a sweeping update to its women’s eligibility rules on Monday. Starting in 2026, players must submit a one-time cheek swab, blood, or saliva sample to screen for the SRY gene, a genetic marker on the Y chromosome tied to male sex development.

A negative result clears the player to compete. A positive result triggers further medical assessment, and refusal to undergo screening can lead to disciplinary action. The policy marks a sharp shift from the WTA’s 2024 guidelines, which allowed trans athletes to compete if they kept testosterone below 2.5 nmol/L for two years.

Why it matters for Martina Navratilova

Navratilova responded swiftly on social media. “I played no part in this particular policy,” she wrote, “but am very happy that we at the WTA are clear that we are a women’s association and only women, as in females, can compete at the highest level of women’s tennis.”

Her clarification came as advocates hailed the move. An X account thanked her, saying: “Wonderful result and thank you @Martina you truly are an icon both for your achievements in tennis on the court and again for your work subsequently.”

The trans debate in tennis

No known transgender women currently compete on the WTA Tour. Navratilova once coached Renee Richards, a transgender woman who played professionally from 1977 to 1981.

The split over inclusion flared again this month when Billie Jean King argued that excluding trans athletes amounts to discrimination, prompting a public back-and-forth with Navratilova.

What comes next?

World Athletics and World Boxing already restrict female categories to biological sex. The WTA’s new rule puts it in the same camp, aiming to “maintain fair competition for all players” while acknowledging the “sensitive and complex” nature of the decision.

Navratilova’s stance aligns with long-standing calls from some former stars to keep the women’s category female-only. The policy takes effect in 2026, giving players and governing bodies a runway to adapt.