Martina Navratilova Welcomes WTA's SRY Gene Testing Policy

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has introduced a new policy requiring players to undergo SRY gene testing to establish their eligibility to compete in the women's category. This move comes as a step in the right direction, according to tennis legend Martina Navratilova.

What happened?

The WTA's updated women's eligibility policy requires players to undergo a one-time screening for the SRY gene, which is found on the Y chromosome and is involved in male-typical sex development. This test can be completed through a simple cheek swab, blood test, or saliva sample. Players who test negative for the SRY gene will be immediately eligible to compete on the WTA Tour, while a positive result will prompt further medical assessment before a player can be cleared.

Why it matters for Martina Navratilova

Martina Navratilova, a tennis icon and advocate for women's sports, has praised the WTA's decision as a "step in the right direction." In a statement on X, Navratilova expressed her support for the new policy, emphasizing that the WTA is a women's association and only females can compete at the highest level of women's tennis.

What comes next?

The new policy goes into effect on Tuesday, and players must sign documentation acknowledging that refusing to undergo testing could result in disciplinary action. The WTA has stated that this policy is designed to promote equal athletic opportunities in women's professional tennis and maintain fair competition for all players participating in WTA tournaments.

The WTA joins a growing number of athletic organizations, including World Athletics and World Boxing, in implementing mandatory SRY gene testing for athletes seeking to compete in the women's category. The International Olympic Committee has also announced plans to use sex testing for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

As the WTA continues to prioritize fair competition and equal opportunities for female players, Martina Navratilova's support for this policy serves as a testament to her commitment to women's sports. The new policy is a significant step forward in ensuring that women's tennis remains a level playing field for all competitors.

The WTA's women's eligibility policy is designed to promote equal athletic opportunities in women's professional tennis and maintain fair competition for all players participating in WTA tournaments. The policy was approved following consultation with its members and a review of evolving eligibility standards throughout international women's sports.

The previous policy, last updated in 2024, permitted transgender-identifying males to compete with women if they maintained testosterone levels below 2.5 nmol/L for at least two years. There are no known males currently competing on the WTA Tour.

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. The new policy is a significant step forward in ensuring that women's tennis remains a level playing field for all competitors.

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