Martina Navratilova doubles down on WTA sex tests after backlash: “Nothing transphobic about it”
WTATuesday, 21 July 2026 at 08:30
Martina Navratilova has defended the WTA’s new eligibility policy after the governing body announced that all players competing on the women’s tour will be required to undergo a one-time genetic sex test. The tennis legend responded after criticism from a fan who described the move as “invasive” and “transphobic,” arguing that the test is a simple measure designed to protect fairness in women’s sport.
The WTA announced that the updated policy will come into effect immediately, requiring players to undergo a genetic test through a cheek swab, saliva sample or blood sample to determine the presence of the SRY gene, which is located on the Y chromosome and associated with male biological development.
Under the new regulations, players will only need to complete the test once during their career. Those who test negative for the SRY gene will be eligible to compete on the WTA Tour, while players who test positive will undergo further medical assessment before a final decision is made regarding their eligibility.
The change represents a shift from the WTA’s previous transgender eligibility policy, introduced in 2024, which allowed transgender women to compete after maintaining testosterone levels below a specific threshold for a continuous period.
Navratilova responds to criticism of WTA policy
The debate intensified on social media after one tennis fan criticized the WTA’s decision, saying they felt “ashamed” to support the organization and calling on players to reject what they described as invasive testing.
Navratilova, a 18-time Grand Slam champion and one of the most influential figures in tennis history, directly responded to the criticism, rejecting the idea that the test was discriminatory.
“WTA supports all women. As in females. There is no such thing as an invasive transphobic test- just a once in a lifetime cheek swab- takes all of three seconds. Got it?” Navratilova wrote. "Males are free to play in the men's tournaments however they might identify. Simple."
WTA supports all women. As in females. There is no such thing as an invasive transphobic test- just a once in a lifetime cheek swab- takes all of three seconds. Got it?
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) July 20, 2026
Males are free to play in the men’s tournaments however they might identify.
Simple.
When another user argued that collecting such information itself was invasive and that there were currently no biological males attempting to compete on the WTA Tour, Navratilova again rejected the claim.
"It's not a collection of data. Nothing transphobic about a sex test cheek swab. And if you think that's invasive, try peeing in front of a stranger. Lol."
It’s not a collection of data. Nothing transphobic about a sex test cheek swab. And if you think that’s invasive, try peeing in front of a stranger. lol
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) July 20, 2026
The exchange continued after another fan questioned whether Navratilova herself had ever undergone such testing. "Yes I took that test. All women athletes took that test until the test was stopped, I think, around the 2000 Olympics. And now we are restarting it at the Olympic level and WTA and it will hopefully trickle down. There is no reason to have male bodies in female sports."
Yes I took that test. All women athletes took that test until the test was stopped I think in 2000 Olympics. And now we are restarting it at the Olympic level and WTA and it will hopefully trickle down. There is no reason to have male bodies in female sports.
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) July 20, 2026
What changes under the WTA's new eligibility policy?
Under the revised regulations, every player will undergo the genetic test only once during their career. Testing can be performed using a cheek swab, saliva sample or blood sample.
A negative result confirming the absence of the SRY gene will satisfy the eligibility requirement. Players who test positive will undergo additional medical evaluation before any decision is made regarding eligibility.
Players must also sign a declaration acknowledging that refusal to comply with the testing process may result in disciplinary action.
The new framework replaces the WTA's previous eligibility policy introduced in 2024, which allowed transgender women to compete provided they had maintained testosterone levels below 2.5 nmol/L for at least two continuous years. According to the WTA, there are currently no known transgender women competing on the Tour.
Explaining the decision, the governing body stated that the policy is intended to "promote equal athletic opportunities in women's professional tennis and maintain fair competition for all players participating in WTA tournaments," adding that its eligibility regulations have been periodically reviewed since first being introduced in 1975.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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- This testing should have been done years ago as a prerequisite to competing in any male or female sport. Safety First -- Biology Rules!!
mandoist21-07-2026 - Poor Aaron has been so bothered, for so long, by this possibility of proving one is NOT a male in a female sport that his list of unproven, unsupported claims is laughable. Claiming "privacy" and "Rights" is nothing short of lame. I challenge Mr. Solomon to take advantage of his "Right" to take a punch from that Algerian "female" boxer (whom failed testing -- and subsequently continues to play the system). This is the one who has injured several female opponents. WTA should absolutely not receive any credit for this common sense ruling!!! They have finally been forced to do so by the IOC. Imagine, after far too many years and injuries by males hurting females, "gender equality" comes to the sport of tennis (females competing with genuine biological females).mandoist21-07-2026
- Hurry on back Carlos! We miss you!!Rapunzel17-07-2026
- Well done to the author of this article!! A meltdown is what Coco experienced at the US Open the year she was chirping at her box, very near to tears, double faults were in great supply and she simply could not get a handle on that match. THAT AP is a meltdown!!Rapunzel12-07-2026
- This sensible approach helped Muchova... and look where she will find herself tomorrow (Wimbledon Final). Iga's wise to escape... especially to Nature and so. The wilderness (forests, lakes, mountains) has been my "Church" and escape from The Noise since I was a kid. She'll do well in the end.mandoist10-07-2026
- "Like if it was hotter, I probably would have won, I'm not gonna lie." Geezus...mandoist08-07-2026
- This one has totally lost the plot. She is about to cross the racism line in her hatred for Russian people. NEWSFLASH DARLING -- Russian majority of citizens (and your ex-Colleagues whom you shamed) are not who you should be aiming at. Grow up.mandoist08-07-2026
- Why do all these "experts" feel the need to publicly "tell players" what they need to do, or what they're doing wrong?? How about this -- if you're so concerned with a player's situation actually take the time to contact the team in question and talk directly to them. Yapping in public media is rarely, if ever, helpful.mandoist07-07-2026
- Gee... preferential treatment all the way to the end? STOP IT WTA & WIMPLEDON !!! This entire WILLIAMS CHARADE is 100% unfair to young upcoming players who legitimately earned a shot at a Wildcard. The whole scenario with these freebies to The Williams' is pathetic and barely within the rules (which have been bent like a pretzel to accomodate them). The lamest excuse this time is "...she is a top draw". How does that apply to Wimbledon which is sold-out in advance? Stop enabling this abhorrent "Look at me" behavior. If they want to make believe they can compete -- LET THEM PLAY QUAILIFIERS LIKE EVERYONE ELSE.mandoist06-07-2026
- Is it not clear there is a mental issue here? I mean, her judgement is very suspect given her personal life 'experiences'.mandoist06-07-2026
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