WTA makes sex verification mandatory before tournaments. What does it mean?

The Women's Tennis Association has introduced a new rule for its competitions concerning players' sex eligibility.

Details: As reported by the BBC, the WTA will now require all players to undergo a genetic sex verification test in order to compete in its tournaments. The test will only need to be taken once in a player's lifetime. Only athletes in whom the SRY gene is not detected will be eligible to compete in WTA events.

If the test result is positive, the player will undergo further medical evaluation before a decision is made regarding her eligibility to compete.

Quote: "The WTA's eligibility policy for women's competitions is designed to ensure fair sporting opportunities in professional women's tennis and to maintain fair competition for all tournament participants," the statement said.

In addition, players who refuse to undergo the test could face sanctions.

Reminder: The 2026 Wimbledon men's singles final was held recently, with Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev battling over four sets for the championship title.