A new Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rule requiring genetic testing to confirm eligibility for women’s events has drawn public support from several top female tennis players, including Aryna Sabalenka, Martina Navratilova, and Coco Gauff.

The policy, which mandates SRY gene screening for all players ahead of the 2028 Olympics, has intensified debate over how sports organizations define eligibility for women’s categories. The SRY gene is typically found on the Y chromosome and is associated with male biological development. The WTA’s adoption of genetic testing follows a March announcement by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that it would require SRY gene testing to "protect women’s sports." IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the policy aims to ensure fairness, noting, “it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In addition, in some sports it would simply not be safe.”

Players Endorse New Rule

Aryna Sabalenka, currently ranked as the world’s top women’s singles player, told reporters, “I think it’s really important to keep fairness in our tour. It would not be really fair for the women to compete against biological men.”

"Men are way stronger than women, and rules that protect women are fair. … Let’s keep it that way."

— Aryna Sabalenka, world No. 1 women’s tennis player

Martina Navratilova, a former champion and one of the sport’s most prominent voices, praised the WTA’s move. She stated online she is “very happy that we at the WTA are clear that we are a women’s association and only women, as in females, can compete at the highest level of women’s tennis.” Navratilova has previously spoken out about the importance of maintaining clear eligibility standards in women’s sports.

Coco Gauff, a rising star and one of the youngest Grand Slam champions in recent years, also supported the rule. Gauff said she agrees with efforts to "protect the fairness in women’s sport" but expressed concern that some may use the policy to "attack the trans community." She emphasized the need for respectful dialogue as the debate continues.

Broader Sports Policy Shifts

The WTA’s decision comes amid a wave of similar moves by major sports organizations. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee barred men identifying as women from women’s events last year, citing President Donald Trump’s executive order, “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports”. The NCAA also revised its eligibility rules in response to the order, aligning with the new federal guidance. World Boxing began requiring sex tests for all athletes the same year, reflecting a broader trend toward stricter eligibility verification in women’s sports.

Despite these changes, some U.S. sports leagues, including the WNBA, have not adopted clear definitions for women’s eligibility. The WNBA’s current Collective Bargaining Agreement restricts participation to women but does not define the term, leaving room for debate within the league. This lack of clarity has led to ongoing discussions among players, coaches, and league officials about how best to ensure fairness while respecting the rights of all athletes.

Divided Reactions in Women’s Basketball

The debate over eligibility rules is not limited to tennis. WNBA player Sophie Cunningham recently faced criticism after calling for clearer protections for women’s sports. In a July interview, Cunningham said she wanted to "protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men." She has since faced protests from fans and coaches who disagree with her stance.

Some league figures have voiced support for including transgender athletes. Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams stated she would "welcome a trans athlete on my team or against my team." Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve wore a "trans kids belong" shirt to a recent game, signaling her support for transgender inclusion in sports.

Fever player Caitlyn Clark, asked about the issue, said that defining eligibility is "for leagues and governing bodies to work with their athletes to find solutions." Clark’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among some athletes that the issue is complex and requires input from all stakeholders.

Advocacy and Ongoing Debate

Penny Nance, CEO of Concerned Women for America, has called on the WNBA to follow the example set by the WTA, IOC, and NCAA. Nance argued that "science, biology, and common sense show the unfair advantage biological male athletes have against female athletes." Advocacy groups like hers have been vocal in urging sports organizations to adopt stricter eligibility standards to preserve what they see as the integrity of women’s competition.

The WTA’s new policy is already in effect for Olympic qualification, meaning athletes seeking to compete in women’s tennis at the 2028 Olympics must undergo SRY gene screening. Debate continues over whether other leagues will adopt similar measures, as sports organizations worldwide grapple with balancing fairness, inclusion, and the evolving understanding of gender in athletics.

As the 2028 Olympics approach, the conversation around eligibility in women’s sports is likely to intensify. The WTA’s decision has set a precedent that could influence policy across a range of sports, with supporters arguing it is necessary to ensure fair competition and critics warning of potential harm to transgender athletes. For now, the issue remains at the forefront of sports policy discussions, with athletes, officials, and advocates on both sides making their voices heard.