Report: All players to undergo genetic sex testing in new WTA rule

(Getty/Robert Prange)

A new policy established by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) will require all players on the women's circuit to be genetically sex tested to remain eligible to compete.

The breaking news story, reported by Ben Rothenberg at Bounces, reveals that although there are no known transgender women on the WTA Tour, the Board has decided to take precautionary measures to protect the sport's integrity amid a "phantom threat of trans women in women's sport", as put by Rothenberg, instigated by Republican lawmakers and pundits seeking "political benefit".

A portion of the new document, which must be signed by all WTA players, reads:

"I acknowledge that if I fail to undergo [genetic sex testing] as requested by the WTA or compete in a WTA Tournament in which I, to my knowledge, am ineligible to compete under this Eligibility Policy, the WTA may take disciplinary action against me… I further acknowledge and agree that such action may result in (among other things) a specified period of ineligibility to participate in WTA Tournaments, which may lead to the reason for my ineligibility becoming public knowledge or being the subject of public speculation."

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The new policy has not been included in the updated WTA policies for 2026, with the most recent update in October 2024.

However, the 2026 WTA RuleBook can be provided upon request.

"1.1 The purpose of this policy is to preserve the integrity of women’s professional tennis and maintain fair competition conditions for all players participating in WTA Tournaments.

"1.2 This policy will come into effect on July 1, 2026 and will replace the previous version of this policy from that date onwards. It forms part of the WTA Rules and is binding on and must be complied with by all players, and (to the extent applicable to their roles) by officials, Tournament Support Personnel, Player Support Team Members, other Credentialed Persons, and other persons who are bound by the WTA Rulebook or otherwise subject to the WTA’s jurisdiction.

"1.3 This policy distinguishes between biological sex and gender identity, and between biological females and biological males, solely to the extent necessary to ensure that the policy is clear and has its intended effect. There is no intent to disrespect or question the gender identity or the dignity of any person."

Click here to read the full WTA women's eligibility policy at Bounces under the PDF document.

Importantly, the new policy includes adequate support, adding: "At the request of a player whose case is being assessed under this policy, the WTA will offer professional counselling or such other support services as the WTA Medical Manager deems appropriate in the circumstances and will pay the costs charged by the counsellor or other service provider for providing such assistance."

In Rothenberg's report, he also highlights that the WTA's policy is governed by the laws of the state of Florida, which are more conservative on the issue, whereas in 2024, it was governed by New York law.

The last transgender woman to compete professionally was Renee Richards in the late 1970s.

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