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Sabalenka Weighs In on Transgender Athlete Debate in Tennis

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 10th 2025 at 17:27 GMT by Fox News

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Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka weighs in on the transgender‑athlete debate

The debate over the participation of transgender athletes in elite sports has intensified over the past few years, and it has found a new voice in the world of professional tennis. On the Fox Sports Huddle podcast, Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka—known for her fierce on‑court presence and candid interviews—joined the conversation, offering her perspective on a topic that has split fans, governing bodies, and athletes alike.

Sabalenka’s take on fairness and inclusion

When the host asked Sabalenka to share her views, the player was quick to underline the importance of fairness while acknowledging the need for inclusion. “The first thing that comes to mind is the principle of fairness, but that does not mean we have to exclude anyone,” she said. “We have to have a system that respects the rights of everyone, whether that’s a cisgender athlete or a transgender athlete.”

Her comments reflected a nuanced stance that has become a hallmark of many contemporary athletes who find themselves at the intersection of sport, science, and social change. Sabalenka stressed that “the WTA has a policy in place, and it is evidence‑based. We are not looking at it as a ‘right to play’ but rather as a system that tries to maintain the integrity of the sport.”

The WTA’s policy in a nutshell

Sabalenka’s remarks drew attention to the policy that governs the participation of transgender women in the WTA, which can be found on the official WTA website: https://www.wtatennis.com/about/policies. The policy requires that a transgender woman must have had her testosterone level suppressed for at least 12 months and must meet the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) medical guidelines before being eligible to compete in the women’s circuit.

In her interview, Sabalenka noted that “the policy is designed to protect the competitive balance. It is not about exclusion; it’s about ensuring everyone is playing on a level field.” The policy has attracted both praise and criticism from various stakeholders, but most WTA players—Sabalenka included—have expressed support for a transparent, science‑based approach.

A broader context: the global conversation

The Fox News Huddle segment didn’t limit itself to the WTA policy. The conversation branched into the larger global debate over transgender athletes in other sports. The host referenced other prominent cases such as the inclusion of transgender athletes in the Olympics and the ongoing policy discussions within the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Sabalenka acknowledged that the conversation is “global” and that each sport has its own unique challenges. She pointed to the example of the IOC’s “Gender Identity” policy, which was updated in 2021 to address testosterone levels in female athletes.

The athlete also highlighted that “transgender athletes face discrimination not only in sports but in everyday life. Their challenges aren’t limited to the court; they extend to the locker room, the media, and even the courts.” Sabalenka’s statement underscored the broader societal implications of the debate.

Personal perspective: empathy and experience

While Sabalenka was quick to express empathy, she also shared her personal sense of competition. She said, “You train hard, you put in thousands of hours, and when you come up against a player who might have a different biological baseline, you want to be sure that the match is fair.” She emphasized that “fairness is a two‑way street. It’s not about denying entry, but about providing a level playing field.”

Sabalenka added that the sport itself should be a place of unity. “We’re all competitors, and the love of the game should bring us together, not drive us apart.” She cited examples of other athletes who have openly advocated for inclusivity, including tennis legend Serena Williams, who has spoken about her experience with an opponent’s transgender status in the 2017 Australian Open.

The role of media and public opinion

The Fox News article also delved into how media coverage shapes public opinion on the topic. Sabalenka reflected on her own media interactions, noting that “the way a story is framed can influence people’s perception.” She encouraged a balanced discourse, calling for the media to focus on facts and policies rather than sensationalism.

What comes next for the WTA and tennis

Looking forward, Sabalenka highlighted that the WTA is actively reviewing its policies. “The WTA is working closely with medical experts to keep policies evidence‑based and up to date. The focus is on safety and fairness for everyone.” She also mentioned that the league is committed to educating its players on the science behind testosterone regulation and the potential impact on athletic performance.

In closing, Sabalenka urged all stakeholders—fans, athletes, governing bodies—to engage in open dialogue. “When we talk about fairness, we need to remember that it’s not a binary debate. It’s a complex, evolving conversation that requires us to keep an open mind and a respectful tone.”

Key takeaways

1. Sabalenka supports the WTA’s evidence‑based policy that requires 12 months of testosterone suppression for transgender women before they can compete in the women’s circuit.
2. She stresses fairness and inclusion, advocating for a system that balances the rights of all athletes.
3. The debate extends beyond tennis to the Olympics and other sports, with each governing body setting its own guidelines.
4. Media framing influences public perception, and athletes like Sabalenka call for balanced coverage.
5. The WTA is actively reviewing policies and working with medical experts to maintain fairness and safety.

The article serves as a snapshot of the evolving conversation around transgender athletes and highlights the importance of nuanced, science‑based discussions in shaping the future of competitive sports.