Aryna Sabalenka Backs Controversial WTA Policy Banning Trans Players: “Men Are Much Stronger Than Women”

Aryna Sabalenka will soon be starting her campaign on the North American hardcourt swing. In the ongoing Canadian Open, the Belarusian ace will face Moyuka Uchijima in the opening round.

A few days ago, the WTA mandated genetic testing for the SRY (Sex-Determining Region Y) gene as a requirement for players to compete on the tour. The SRY gene is responsible for the development of male characteristics. The players will be tested only once using a cheek swab, blood, or saliva sample.

Only those with negative results will be allowed to compete, while those with positive results will need to undergo further medical assessment. As expected, the new policy drew mixed reactions, with those advocating for the test believing it’s necessary to ensure no trans woman competes. Sabalenka also shares the same opinion.

It’s very important to maintain fairness in our circuit. It’s obvious that, biologically, men are much stronger than women, so it wouldn’t seem fair to me for a woman to compete against a biological man. I think it took them a while to make this decision and, yes, I support it.

Aryna Sabalenka said in the pre-tournament press conference in Toronto

Last December, Sabalenka locked horns with Nick Kyrgios in the Battle of the Sexes match and lost it in straight sets. Before the match, both Sabalenka and Kyrgios sat for an interview with Piers Morgan during which the WTA World No.1 said that although she had nothing to do against the trans athletes, they have a “huge advantage over the women“.

But I’m concentrating on myself, on my goals, on whatever it takes. If you want to test us all, I will gladly do so, it’s pretty fair, and let’s keep it that way.

Aryna Sabalenka added

Sabalenka, before arriving in Toronto, competed at Wimbledon, where her run ended at the hands of fellow four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.

Aryna Sabalenka says the vacation in Mykonos was much-needed

Aryna Sabalenka started the 2026 season in emphatic fashion. She not only defended the Brisbane Open title but also reached the final of the Australian Open (lost to Elena Rybakina).

After skipping the two WTA 1000s on the Middle East Swing, Sabalenka completed the Sunshine Double. But since her win in Miami, she failed to reach a final, let alone win titles.

I suffered during the summer swing a lot like with my body, with mentally also a little bit. It was much needed. After Mykonos… I felt much better. I couldn’t wait to get back on court and start working towards my goals for this swing.

Aryna Sabalenka said during her pre-tournament press conference in Toronto

Sabalenka has never made it past the semifinals of the Canadian Open. She skipped the tournament last year, and later at the Cincinnati Open, Sabalenka, who competed as the defending champion, suffered a quarterfinal exit.

It’s a routine [returning to hard courts]. It’s a lot of rallies, a lot of basic work, like cross-court shots. I don’t know, it’s like going back to a very small variety of the game. I don’t get too into these angles, drop shots, like the serve and volley, I just get back into the game from the back of the court, I make sure I have a lot of confidence there.

Aryna Sabalenka added

Following the two WTA 1000s, Sabalenka and the entire tennis world will be focusing on one tournament, the US Open. Sabalenka will be playing as the defending champion. She beat home favorite Amanda Anisimova last year.

Sabalenka, in fact, played the final of the New York Slam in 2023, 2024, and 2025. She lost to Coco Gauff in 2023 and beat Qinwen Zheng in 2024.

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