Tennis players will be required to undergo genetic sex testing to compete on the Women\u2019s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour.<\/p>\n
The new eligibility policy, which comes into effect on Tuesday, involves a one-time test for the presence of the SRY gene, which is associated with male sex development.<\/p>\n
Testing can be conducted via a cheek swab, blood test or saliva sample.<\/p>\n
If a test is positive for the presence of the SRY gene, the player will face further medical assessment before being allowed to play.<\/p>\n
Under the previous policy transgender women could compete after declaring their gender as female and maintaining testosterone levels below the WTA\u2019s required threshold for at least two years.<\/p>\n
There are no known transgender women currently playing on the WTA Tour.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe WTA\u2019s women\u2019s eligibility policy is designed to promote equal athletic opportunities in women\u2019s professional tennis and maintain fair competition for all players participating in WTA tournaments,\u201d the governing body said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince first being introduced in 1975, the eligibility policy has undergone periodic review in light of developments across international sport.<\/p>\n