Navratilova, Sports Legend and Gay Activist, Applauds Shift to Mandatory Genetic Testing in Women’s Tennis

Martina Navratilova, an 18-time Grand Slam champion and gay rights advocate, is among those applauding the Women’s Tennis Association’s decision to introduce mandatory gene-testing for all players effective Tuesday.According to a statement released by the tour’s governing body, the new sex-screening policy is intended “to preserve the integrity of women’s professional tennis and maintain fair competition conditions for all players.”The policy distinguishes between biological sex and gender identity and puts the organization in line with the eligibility regulations set by the International Olympic Committee in March in reaction to an executive order issued by President Trump. The test becomes a requirement to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.Ms. Navratilova, tennis legend Chris Evert, and current World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka have long campaigned that competition within the sport be exclusively reserved for biological females. Following the announcement, Ms. Navratilova took to social media to express her support while clarifying her role in the decision.“I played no part in this particular policy,” she confirmed in a post on X. “But I am 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.”Under the new framework, players will be tested for the SRY gene, a segment of DNA typically found on the Y chromosome that initiates male sex development in utero and indicates the presence of testes. The WTA said “biological male means an individual who, regardless of their legal sex or gender identity, has an SRY gene and therefore has or previously had testes or streak testes; and biological female is someone who, regardless of their legal sex or gender identity, has no SRY gene and therefore has or previously had ovaries or streak ovaries.” Streak testes or ovaries refers to underdeveloped, nonfunctional tissue that replaces normal organs in some sexual disorders. The WTA said there is “no intent to disrespect or question the gender identity or the dignity of any person.”Mandatory gender screening is already being conducted by the governing bodies of boxing, track and field and skiing, restricting women’s competitions to biological females.Under the new WTA policy, players are required to submit to a one-time cheek swab, blood or saliva sample to screen for the SRY gene. Players who test positive will have to undergo further medical assessment. Refusal to participate in the screening can result in disciplinary action.The previous policy adopted in 2024 permitted trans athletes to compete if they maintained testosterone levels below 2.5 nmol/L for two years.While there are currently no known transgender women competing in professional tennis, Ms. Sabalenka said in December that the possibility of playing against transgender athletes would be unfair. “I have nothing to do against them,” she told Piers Morgan. “But I feel like they still got a huge advantage over the women and I think it’s not fair on women to face basically biological men.”The historical precedent for the debate dates back to the 1970s when Renee Richards became the most prominent transgender athlete to compete in women’s tennis. Ms. Richards, in her 40s, battled on the court against Ms. Evert. Though Ms. Evert won, the physical disparity left a lasting impression.“The physical advantages are undeniable,” Ms. Evert said years later. “Science doesn’t lie.”Ms. Richards, who later coached Ms. Navratilova, would admit in a 2012 interview that being born a male gave her an advantage. “I know if I’d had surgery at the age of 22, and then at 24 went on tour, no genetic woman in the world would have been able to come close to me,” she said.

Navratilova, Sports Legend and Gay Activist, Applauds Shift to Mandatory Genetic Testing in Women’s Tennis

Navratilova, Sports Legend and Gay Activist, Applauds Shift to Mandatory Genetic Testing in Women’s Tennis

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