WTA gene testing sparks controversy

TORONTO (AP):

Coco Gauff says she understands the reasoning behind the WTA Tour’s newly introduced gene-testing policy but is concerned about how politicised the discussion has become, generating what she described as “animosity towards the trans community”.

Speaking after her opening-match win over Kayla Day at the Canadian Open in Toronto on Wednesday, the two-time Grand Slam champion called for a more balanced conversation.

“So, yes, I guess I kind of agree with trying to protect the fairness in women’s sports, but I also do not like the attack that it is creating,” Gauff said. “People who don’t really care but just want to use this as a reason to attack the trans community — so I’m not really a big fan of that either.”

Her comments followed the Women’s Tennis Association’s announcement last month of mandatory one-off gene-testing for all players as a requirement to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The test screens for the SRY gene, a segment of DNA typically found on the Y chromosome that initiates male sex development in utero.

The WTA said the policy distinguishes between biological sex and gender identity, stressing that there is “no intent to disrespect or question the gender identity or the dignity of any person”.

Mandatory gender screening is already conducted by governing bodies in track and field, skiing, and boxing, but the practice has been criticised by human-rights experts and activist groups.

Gauff questioned whether the rollout could have been more transparent, noting that some players only learned of the policy when it was announced.