World No. 1 Sabalenka backs WTA's new transgender eligibility rule
At the Canadian Open press conference, Aryna Sabalenka endorsed the WTA's recently adopted policy requiring genetic testing for transgender eligibility, arguing it preserves fairness for women athletes.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka used a Canadian Open media session in Montreal to voice strong support for the WTA's new transgender eligibility guidelines. She emphasized that men possess inherent physical advantages that would make competition unfair for female players, and she welcomed the requirement for a single genetic screen for the Y-chromosome SRY gene. Sabalenka praised the governing body for finally implementing the measure after a prolonged delay.
Her comments align with those of 18-time Grand Slam winner Martina Navratilova, who has repeatedly defended the policy. The article also references a similar defense offered earlier by Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham in women's basketball. Overall, Sabalenka framed the issue as a matter of sport integrity rather than politics.
Why it matters
The stance of tennis' top player influences public debate on how women's sports handle transgender participation.
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