Tennis star Sabalenka supports sport's new sex test policy

Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka has publicly endorsed the Women’s Tennis Association’s (WTA) new policy requiring genetic testing to determine biological sex, calling it essential for maintaining fairness in competition. Speaking on Monday, Sabalenka emphasized that “biologically, men are way stronger than women,” and argued that allowing biological males to compete against females would undermine the integrity of women’s tournaments. She expressed support for the policy, stating that she would be willing to undergo testing if required, and praised the WTA for taking time to implement the rule. The WTA introduced its new policy in July 2026, mandating a one-time, mandatory genetic test for all players. The test involves checking for the presence of the SRY gene, a marker typically associated with male biology. Players can choose between a cheek swab or blood sample, and they must sign a document acknowledging potential disciplinary consequences for refusing the test. This policy replaces the previous requirement that transgender women maintain testosterone levels below 2.5 nmol/L for two years before competing. To date, there are no known transgender women currently participating in the WTA Tour. Sabalenka, who holds the world number one ranking and has held it for 92 consecutive weeks, has become a prominent voice in favor of the new rules. Her stance aligns with broader shifts in sports governance, as organizations such as World Boxing and World Athletics have also implemented similar policies. World Boxing introduced genetic testing following controversy over gold medalist Imane Khelif at the 2024 Paris Olympics, while World Athletics followed suit in September 2025. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) further updated its guidelines in early 2026, signaling a growing consensus among major sporting bodies. The policy has sparked intense debate, particularly among advocates for trans athletes. Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer turned conservative political activist, has actively campaigned against the inclusion of trans women in women’s sports. In recent months, Gaines has supported WNBA player Sophie Cunningham, who stated in an ESPN interview that “biological men” should not compete in female sports to protect young girls. Such voices argue that the new testing requirements represent a regression, reinforcing outdated and discriminatory practices. Maria Jose Martinez-Patino, a former Spanish hurdler whose experiences with gender verification in the 1980s influenced global sports policy, has criticized the new genetic testing protocols as a step backward. Martinez-Patino described the approach as reminiscent of the 1950s and 1960s, when female athletes were subjected to invasive medical inspections. She argued that determining biological sex is not as straightforward as identifying the presence of the SRY gene, noting that there are over 60 genetic variations that complicate the issue. “It should be done case by case,” she insisted, emphasizing the need for nuanced, individual assessments rather than blanket policies. While the WTA maintains that the SRY gene serves as a reliable indicator of biological sex, critics like Martinez-Patino challenge this view. They contend that the policy overlooks the complexity of human genetics and risks perpetuating harmful stereotypes. The debate reflects deeper societal tensions surrounding identity, fairness, and the role of science in defining athletic eligibility. As these policies continue to evolve, the conversation is unlikely to settle soon, with stakeholders on both sides advocating for their positions based on ethical, scientific, and social considerations.