World's No. 1 woman tennis player supports genetic sex testing as 'fair'

This story originally appeared on Out.Fresh off her disappointing loss at Wimbledon, the number one women's tennis player in the world is speaking out in favor of her sport's new policy that will require all competitors on tour to have their DNA tested. Aryna Sabalenka was asked by reporters in Toronto on Monday about the new World Tennis Association policy that went into effect last month. "I think it's really important to keep the fairness in our tour," said Sabalenka, in responding to the last question of the news conference. "It's obviously, biologically, the men are way stronger than women, so I feel like it would be not really fair for the woman to compete against biological man."Sabalenka, who is Belarusian but competes neutrally, has never disclosed her sexual orientation or gender identity. She told reporters she supports the policy. "I believe it took them a little while to make this decision and, yeah, I support it," said Sabalenka. "But for me, I'm focusing on myself, on my goals, you know, whatever it takes. If they want to test us all, I'm happy to do that; it's pretty fair, and let's keep it that way."As ESPN reported, the policy established on July 21 is for all women on tour to undergo a one-time, mandatory genetic test for the SRY gene, a segment of DNA typically found on the Y chromosome, which initiates male sex development in a fetus and indicates the presence of testes. However, studies have shown some women can also have a Y chromosome and still look, feel and live as women. "Any athlete whose test shows the presence of the SRY gene will be banned from competing in the women’s category in elite events," reported genetic researcher Andrew Sinclair. "However if the athlete has a condition called Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS), they may be able to qualify for an exemption." Players can also appeal the results. This isn't Sabalenka's first comments on the issue of trans inclusion. She shared her thoughts on trans women athletes