Women's tour mandates gene test for eligibility

July 19 : Tennis players will be required to clear a one-time gene test to compete on the women's tour, the WTA said after updating its eligibility policy on Sunday.The WTA said the once-in-a-lifetime test for the SRY gene, which helps in determining biological sex, can be conducted via a cheek swab or blood test, with the new policy coming into effect on Tuesday.The previous WTA policy permitted transgender women to participate if they declared their gender as female and then maintained a lowered testosterone level for a period of two years before competing.There are no known transgender women currently active at any level of professional tennis. "Eligibility to participate in WTA tournaments will be confirmed through a required, one-time screening process for the SRY gene," a WTA spokesp