Advocacy groups urge WTA to drop sex-testing policy

The Sport & Rights Alliance and ILGA World have called on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) to abandon its new sex-testing policy, labeling the measure discriminatory. The WTA recently announced it would require players to undergo a one-time genetic test for the SRY gene, via blood test or cheek swab, to determine biological sex.

Advocacy groups argue the policy will cause stigmatization and trauma for women and girls. Lily Dong Li Rosengard of ILGA World stated the policy undermines the safety and dignity of players, noting that while no transgender women are currently competing at the professional level, the requirement forces all female players to ‘prove’ their gender.

The WTA's decision follows a March announcement by the International Olympic Committee regarding eligibility requirements for women’s category events at the Games. Within the tennis community, reactions have been mixed; Belarusian player Aryna Sabalenka has expressed support for the policy, while American player Coco Gauff stated she supports fairness in sports but expressed concern regarding potential animosity toward the transgender community.