Transgender women will be banned from most women’s tennis in the UK from next month.
The Lawn Tennis Association’s current rules allow players to self-identify, but as of January 25, 2025, trans women and non-binary individuals born male will only be allowed to compete in the men’s category.
These include tennis and padel leagues and tournaments involving players from different clubs and venues, from national championships to local level.
Events, such as club championships and social tournaments, are designated unspecified and individual venues must determine their own policies.
The LTA does not have jurisdiction over international events such as Wimbledon or ATP, WTA or International Tennis Federation tournaments, so this policy will only apply to domestic tennis.
Currently, trans women are allowed to compete in the women’s category in WTA and ITF events, provided they meet testosterone level restrictions.
The LTA has made opening tennis up to all walks of life its main strategy, but has cited physiological advantages for men, including longer levers and increased cardiovascular capacity, for the policy change.
“It is clear that tennis and padel are sports with gender influence. the average man has an advantage when playing against the average woman,” the statement said.
“The current broad consensus, including the conclusion of a review by the Sports Councils’ Equality Group, is that this advantage is likely to persist significantly for trans women, making the competition potentially unfair.
“We are changing our policy to restrict trans women and non-binary individuals born male from playing in women’s Specified, interventure, competitions.
The rules that currently allow players to self-select will be phased out in January 2025
“We want to encourage local venues to ensure they are as inclusive as possible for trans and non-binary individuals, providing opportunities to compete in a friendly environment. In line with this, the product of our own local tennis leagues (mostly played in parks) will remain fully inclusive.”
The new policy is the result of an 18-month process involving consultation with affected groups and other sports, and the LTA has committed to reviewing the policy in the future.
“We recognize the diversity of opinion on this matter and would like to reassure the tennis community that the LTA will continue to listen to all views and keep the policy under review in response to emerging research and data, as well as further guidance from other relevant bodies,” the statement concluded.
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