RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesFresh off her disappointing loss at Wimbledon, the number one women's tennis player in the world is speaking out in favor of her sport's new policy that will require all competitors on tour to have their DNA tested.
Aryna Sabalenka was asked by reporters in Toronto on Monday about the new World Tennis Association policy that went into effect last month.
"I think it's really important to keep the fairness in our tour," said Sabalenka, in responding to the last question of the news conference. "It's obviously, biologically, the men are way stronger than women, so I feel like it would be not really fair for the woman to compete against biological man."
Sabalenka, who is Belarusian but competes neutrally, has never disclosed her sexual orientation or gender identity. She told reporters she supports the policy.
"I believe it took them a little while to make this decision and, yeah, I support it," said Sabalenka. "But for me, I'm focusing on myself, on my goals, you know, whatever it takes. If they want to test us all, I'm happy to do that; it's pretty fair, and let's keep it that way."
As ESPN reported , the policy established on July 21 is for all women on tour to undergo a one-time, mandatory genetic test for the SRY gene, a segment of DNA typically found on the Y chromosome, which initiates male sex development in a fetus and indicates the presence of testes. However, studies have shown some women can also have a Y chromosome and still look, feel and live as women.
"Any athlete whose test shows the presence of the SRY gene will be banned from competing in the women’s category in elite events," reported genetic researcher Andrew Sinclair. "However if the athlete has a condition called Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS), they may be able to qualify for an exemption." Players can also appeal the results.
This isn't Sabalenka's first comments on the issue of trans inclusion. She shared her thoughts on trans women athletes with UK television personality Piers Morgan back in December 2025: "It's not fair," she said. "The woman has been working her whole life to reach her limit, and then she has to face a man, who is biologically much stronger, so for me, I don't agree with this kind of stuff in sport."
Sabalenka's new remarks came exactly one year to the day that Sinclair, the researcher credited with discovering the gene, spoke out against genetic testing.
"I argue the science does not support this overly simplistic assertion," wrote Sinclair in theconversation.com on August 3, 2025. "I should know, because I discovered the SRY gene on the human Y chromosome in 1990. For 35 years I have been researching it and other genes required for testis development."
Sinclair wrote that biological sex is more complex than the WTA claims. "Using SRY to establish biological sex is wrong because all it tells you is whether or not the gene is present. It does not tell you how SRY is functioning, whether a testis has formed, whether testosterone is produced and, if so, whether it can be used by the body."
Tennis icon and opponent of transgender inclusion in sports, Martina Navratilova , posted her support for the policy on X the day before it went into effect. She replied to a self-described "queer tennis fan," who said she was "so ashamed to have even supported this organization, i stand with ALL women who play tennis and sport and only hope the women of the WTA refuse to do such invasive, transphobic tests. i support trans people."
"WTA supports all women. As in females," Martina replied. "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? Males are free to play in the men’s tournaments however they might identify. Simple."
As Outsports has reported, Martina achieved success on the court with coaching by out transgender trailblazer Renee Richards — who also does not believe trans women should compete in female sports. And on Tuesday, Martina posted six applause emojis in sharing Sabalenka's statement.
Martina's fans around the world are sounding-off, mostly for and a handful against. One even torched Caitlin Clark for not joining Sophie Cunningham's stance.
Sabalenka has not made any further comments about the policy on social media, but after a month of rest and relaxation, she said she was getting "back to basics" on the practice court in Toronto in anticipation of her matches at the National Bank Open. However, it's not known how fans will react. After her straight-sets defeat to Naomi Osaka at Wimbledon, she was booed by the Wimbledon crowd for whacking a ball out of Centre Court, as The Independent reported last month.
"I want to get completely drunk, forget about tennis," Sabalenka told reporters after leaving in the fourth round at the All England Club. It was her earliest Grand Slam exit in four years. "And try to get better."
This article originally appeared on Out: World's No. 1 woman tennis player supports genetic sex testing as 'fair'
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