Women’s tennis players must take one-time gene test for eligibility

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) announced on Sunday, July 20, 2026, that all players must undergo a one-time test for the SRY gene, which helps determine biological sex, in order to be eligible to compete on the women's tour. The test can be conducted via a cheek swab or blood test and the new policy came into effect on Tuesday, July 22, 2026. The updated eligibility policy marks a change from the WTA's previous rules, which had permitted transgender women to compete.