In July 2026, the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) introduced a one-time, mandatory genetic test for all players to ensure fairness in women's tennis competitions. Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one women's tennis player, expressed her support for the new policy on Monday, August 3rd, 2026.

"I think it's really important to keep the fairness in our tour," Sabalenka said. She added, "Obviously, biologically, men are way stronger than women, so I feel like it would be not really fair for a woman to compete against a biological man. I believe it took them a little while to make this decision and I support it. If they want to test us all, I'm happy to do that; it's pretty fair, and let's keep it that way."

Sabalenka's stance comes amid a wider context of sports organizations updating their gender verification policies. World Boxing implemented similar testing in May 2025 following debates around gold medalist Imane Khelif at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Additionally, the International Olympic Committee updated its guidelines in early 2026, signaling a broader shift in elite sports.

Sabalenka also reflected on the historical context of gender verification, noting, "It takes me back to the 1950s and 1960s, when women practically had to go through a series of controls, had to undress in front of a panel of doctors."

The debate extends beyond tennis. Recently, WNBA star Sophie Cunningham voiced in an ESPN feature that "biological men" should not compete in female sports to protect young girls, a position supported by Gaines.

Sabalenka's support for the WTA's new policy highlights ongoing efforts to balance fairness and inclusivity in women's sports.

Sources