The Women's Tennis Association will require all players to pass a one-time genetic test screening for the SRY gene effective 21 July 2026, a policy that effectively bars transgender women from the tour.
The test, administered via cheek swab, blood, or saliva sample, checks for the SRY gene located on the Y chromosome that is critical for male sex characteristics. A negative result is required to compete, while positive results trigger further medical assessment. The WTA said data confidentiality would be maintained.
The previous policy permitted transgender women to compete if they declared their gender as female and maintained testosterone below 2.5 nmol/L for at least two years. No known transgender players are currently active on the WTA Tour. The move follows similar SRY testing adopted by World Athletics in September 2025 and World Boxing in May 2025.