Aryna Sabalenka Backs WTA's Genetic Testing Policy for Female Athletes

Aryna Sabalenka, the WTA's top-ranked player, publicly endorsed the tour's newly implemented mandatory genetic testing policy, which requires all players to undergo a one-time SRY gene screening. The testing requirement, set to begin July 21, makes the WTA the first professional sports league globally to establish such eligibility criteria. Sabalenka's comments came during a press conference at the National Bank Open in Toronto, where she aligned herself with the competitive fairness argument underpinning the policy.

During the public remarks, Sabalenka explained her reasoning for the endorsement. "I think it's really important to keep the fairness in our tour," she stated. "It's obviously, biologically, the men are way stronger than women, so I feel like it would not be really fair for the woman to compete against a biological man." She added that while the WTA took time to reach this decision, she supports the direction and expressed willingness to comply with mandatory testing herself if required.

The WTA's updated eligibility policy defines "biological male" as any individual possessing an SRY gene, regardless of legal sex or gender identity, and "biological female" as anyone without the SRY gene. The policy explicitly states it distinguishes between biological sex and gender identity "solely to the extent necessary to ensure that the policy is clear and has its intended effect," and includes language stating there is "no intent to disrespect or question the gender identity or the dignity of any person." One-time testing will become mandatory for Olympic competition in 2028.

Sabalenka's statement reflects broader debates in professional sports following comments by Indiana Fever basketball player Sophie Cunningham, who advocated for excluding transgender athletes from women's sports. The WTA's proactive approach aims to address potential future scenarios, though the sources note that no current real-world example exists of a transgender athlete dominating at the highest level of women's sports due to their biological status.