Aryna Sabalenka was clear: she supports the new regulation requiring all players to undergo a genetic test to confirm they were born biologically female.
The measure, which requires detecting the SRY gene on the Y chromosome, came into force on July 21 and made the WTA the first professional league in the world to implement something like this.
“Biologically, men are much stronger than women, so I would not think it fair for a woman to compete against a biological man”, Sabalenka said.
The organization clarified that the rule is not intended to question anyone’s gender identity, but the controversy has already exploded on social media: trans rights activists are questioning the measure, while other tennis players support Sabalenka.