Female tennis players will henceforth have to prove genetically that they are female in order to compete on the WTA Tour.

That is according to the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) in its updated guidelines, according to BBC Sport.

Under the latest version of the women’s eligibility regulations, which come into force on Tuesday, players will be required to undergo testing for the presence of the SRY gene, which forms part of the Y chromosome and leads to the development of male sex characteristics.

Players will be tested once during their lifetime, and only a negative result – showing that the gene is not present – will permit them to compete on the Tour.

Players who test positive will be required to undergo a further medical assessment before being allowed to compete. In addition, players must sign a document stating that they may be subject to disciplinary action if they refuse to undergo testing.

“The WTA’s eligibility rules for the women’s category are designed to promote equal opportunity and fair competition in professional women’s tennis. We recognise that this is a sensitive and complex issue and are committed to treating all players with dignity and respect,” the WTA said in a statement.

There are no known cases of biological males competing on the WTA Tour.

In 2025, World Athletics (WA) introduced similar requirements for SRY testing for anyone wishing to compete in international meetings and championships.