Yeah or Nah? Aryna Sabalenka reacts to eligibility tests for female tennis players
Canadian Open 2026: World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka has backed the WTA's new eligibility policy, calling the one-time genetic testing requirement a fair measure to preserve fairness in women's tennis.
World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka has thrown her support behind the Women's Tennis Association's (WTA) newly introduced eligibility policy, saying the measures are essential to preserve fairness in women's tennis.
Speaking ahead of the 2026 Canadian Open, the Belarusian welcomed the WTA's decision to introduce a one-time genetic test for players competing on the women's tour. Under the new regulations, athletes will be required to undergo testing for the SRY gene, a marker associated with biological sex, with the WTA stating that the process will be conducted confidentially.
"It is very important to preserve fairness on our tour. It is obvious that, biologically, men are much stronger than women. Therefore, I would not find it fair for a woman to compete against a biological man," Sabalenka told reporters ahead of the tournament.
"I think it took them some time to make this decision and, yes, I support it. For my part, I remain focused on myself, my goals, and everything that needs to be done to achieve them. If they want all of us to undergo these tests, I will gladly do so. I believe it is a completely fair measure, and it needs to remain that way," she added.
SABALENKA OPENS AGAINST UCHIJIMA
Sabalenka arrives in Montreal as the top seed and one of the favourites to lift the WTA 1000 title as the North American hard-court swing gets underway. The Belarusian will begin her campaign against Japan's Moyuka Uchijima in the Round of 64 after receiving a favourable draw. A strong run in Canada would provide the perfect platform ahead of the US Open later this month.
The WTA's revised eligibility policy has generated widespread discussion across the tennis world since it was announced. The governing body said all players competing in the women's category will be required to undergo a one-time genetic screening, either through a cheek swab or blood test, with the aim of safeguarding competitive fairness while respecting athletes' privacy.
Sabalenka is among the first leading players to publicly endorse the policy, making her stance clear before taking to the court in Montreal. While the eligibility regulations continue to spark debate across the sport, the three-time Grand Slam champion insisted her primary focus remains on competing for titles, starting with her opening-round clash against Uchijima at the Canadian Open.
World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka has thrown her support behind the Women's Tennis Association's (WTA) newly introduced eligibility policy, saying the measures are essential to preserve fairness in women's tennis.
Speaking ahead of the 2026 Canadian Open, the Belarusian welcomed the WTA's decision to introduce a one-time genetic test for players competing on the women's tour. Under the new regulations, athletes will be required to undergo testing for the SRY gene, a marker associated with biological sex, with the WTA stating that the process will be conducted confidentially.
"It is very important to preserve fairness on our tour. It is obvious that, biologically, men are much stronger than women. Therefore, I would not find it fair for a woman to compete against a biological man," Sabalenka told reporters ahead of the tournament.
"I think it took them some time to make this decision and, yes, I support it. For my part, I remain focused on myself, my goals, and everything that needs to be done to achieve them. If they want all of us to undergo these tests, I will gladly do so. I believe it is a completely fair measure, and it needs to remain that way," she added.
SABALENKA OPENS AGAINST UCHIJIMA
Sabalenka arrives in Montreal as the top seed and one of the favourites to lift the WTA 1000 title as the North American hard-court swing gets underway. The Belarusian will begin her campaign against Japan's Moyuka Uchijima in the Round of 64 after receiving a favourable draw. A strong run in Canada would provide the perfect platform ahead of the US Open later this month.
The WTA's revised eligibility policy has generated widespread discussion across the tennis world since it was announced. The governing body said all players competing in the women's category will be required to undergo a one-time genetic screening, either through a cheek swab or blood test, with the aim of safeguarding competitive fairness while respecting athletes' privacy.
Sabalenka is among the first leading players to publicly endorse the policy, making her stance clear before taking to the court in Montreal. While the eligibility regulations continue to spark debate across the sport, the three-time Grand Slam champion insisted her primary focus remains on competing for titles, starting with her opening-round clash against Uchijima at the Canadian Open.
World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka has thrown her support behind the Women's Tennis Association's (WTA) newly introduced eligibility policy, saying the measures are essential to preserve fairness in women's tennis.
Speaking ahead of the 2026 Canadian Open, the Belarusian welcomed the WTA's decision to introduce a one-time genetic test for players competing on the women's tour. Under the new regulations, athletes will be required to undergo testing for the SRY gene, a marker associated with biological sex, with the WTA stating that the process will be conducted confidentially.
"It is very important to preserve fairness on our tour. It is obvious that, biologically, men are much stronger than women. Therefore, I would not find it fair for a woman to compete against a biological man," Sabalenka told reporters ahead of the tournament.
"I think it took them some time to make this decision and, yes, I support it. For my part, I remain focused on myself, my goals, and everything that needs to be done to achieve them. If they want all of us to undergo these tests, I will gladly do so. I believe it is a completely fair measure, and it needs to remain that way," she added.
SABALENKA OPENS AGAINST UCHIJIMA
Sabalenka arrives in Montreal as the top seed and one of the favourites to lift the WTA 1000 title as the North American hard-court swing gets underway. The Belarusian will begin her campaign against Japan's Moyuka Uchijima in the Round of 64 after receiving a favourable draw. A strong run in Canada would provide the perfect platform ahead of the US Open later this month.
The WTA's revised eligibility policy has generated widespread discussion across the tennis world since it was announced. The governing body said all players competing in the women's category will be required to undergo a one-time genetic screening, either through a cheek swab or blood test, with the aim of safeguarding competitive fairness while respecting athletes' privacy.
Sabalenka is among the first leading players to publicly endorse the policy, making her stance clear before taking to the court in Montreal. While the eligibility regulations continue to spark debate across the sport, the three-time Grand Slam champion insisted her primary focus remains on competing for titles, starting with her opening-round clash against Uchijima at the Canadian Open.
