MEAWW.COM / NEWS / SPORTS

Who is Alicia Rowley? Martina Navratilova slams USTA after transgender player wins women's National Championships

Martina Navratilova pointed out how self-identification as a female would not allow one to compete in women's championships at the US Open

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK: The US Tennis Association (USTA) has come under fire from Martina Navratilova for its stand on transgender athletes partaking in women's tennis competitions. It happens at the same time as transgender tennis pro Alicia Rowley apparently became the most recent player to take home a Women's National Tennis Championship and "the coveted Golden Ball."

Rowley just won the National Indoor Singles and Doubles Championship and the Women's 55+ Grass Court National Championship, according to a tweet from the Independent Council On Women's Sports (ICONS). ICONS tweeted, "Male tennis player, Alicia Rowley is the latest Women’s National Tennis Champion and winner of the coveted “golden ball” Rowley has recently won the women’s 55+: Grass Court National Championships, National Indoor Singles and Doubles." According to the USTA's Transgender Inclusion Policy, trans athletes should be allowed to participate in sports rather than being excluded from them, Daily Mail reports. The document mentioned, "It is necessary to ensure, insofar as possible, that transgender athletes are not excluded from the opportunity to participate in sporting competitions."  

Kim Shasby Jones, co-founder of ICON, urged the US Tennis Association to “change their policy,” stating that trans players should not be barred from participating in the sport. The policy declares, "The overriding sporting objective is and remains the guarantee of fair competition. Restrictions on participation are appropriate to the extent that they are necessary and proportionate to the achievement of this objective."

Who is Alicia Rowley?

Alicia Rowley became the latest transgender athlete to win a women's championship in July, winning the 55+ singles title at the USTA National Women's Grass Court Championships, as per Daily Mail and many other sources.

What does USTA Transgender Inclusion Policy say?

The USTA does not need transgender athletes to certify their gender identity status for league and recreational competitions, but it does have some requirements for those competing professionally. Their Transgender Inclusion Policy says, "On the league and recreational side of the equation, the USTA takes the position that we do not require confirmations of gender identity status. Above all, we do not want to be an obstacle to recreational participation." It added, "We seek to respect all individuals, and we take it on faith that players who compete under these rules are doing so not to gain a competitive advantage, but to enjoy participating in a manner in which they are comfortable." However, the rules are more comprehensive for professional competitions, as they state, "Those who transition from male to female are eligible to compete in the female category under the following conditions: The athlete has declared that her gender identity is female. The declaration cannot be changed, for sporting purposes, for a minimum of four years."  "Hormonal therapy appropriate for the assigned sex has been administered in a verifiable manner and for a sufficient length of time to minimise gender-related advantages in sport competitions."

'Change the policy'

However, after Rowley won the National Tennis Championship, ICONS Co-founder tweeted, tagging Navratilova and Chrissie Evert, claiming the USTA's transgender policy should be modified. "Hey @USTA @WTA @Martina @ChrissieEvert,' Shasby Jones penned. "Women's tennis is turning into a laughing stock because of these terrible policies prioritizing the mental health and identity of men over women who have discovered a love of tennis." She continued to state, "The women are calling us and begging for help to be allowed to play fairly. They have complained; they don't know where else to turn," adding, "Men are winning national titles, taking the place of women on team tennis, and competing in women's tournaments across the country. We need to let the women and girls playing tennis know that they deserve to be treated fairly and recognized for their accomplishments no matter when they pick up the sport." Jones went on, "They do not have to reach any kind of elite status. There is already a category for male athletes to enjoy this privilege. Let female athletes enjoy the game of tennis too. Change the policy." Addressing the governing bodies, she added, "And @BillieJeanKing change your stance  - don't abandon these women and this sport any longer."

'Women's tennis is not for failed male athletes'

In response, Navratilova, a 16-time Grand Slam champion, replied to the tweet, writing, "Come on @USTA - women's tennis is not for failed male athletes- whatever age. This is not right and it is not fair. Would this be allowed at the US Open this month? Just with self ID? I don't think so…" Her tweet pointed out the rules set by USTA for professional competitions., where self-identification as a female would not allow a person to compete in the women's tournament.

'Well said and much needed'

Meanwhile, Twitter users quickly flocked to the posts and reacted, with many supporting Martina's views. "With an elite athlete daughter in the family, I back @Martina 110%. No male born athlete should EVER enter into a female only sport or event. This includes bathrooms," a user tweeted. Another said, "I wish one of the X Blue premium features was that I could "like" this post an unlimited number of times. 100% agree with @Martina. Unfortunately, this probably won't change until Felix Auger-Aliassime wins the women's draw of the US Open without dropping a game." A person wrote,  "Agree, do we need to have another suffragette movement (and that's a well toned woman's arm)." Bravo MS Navratilova...well said and much needed!!!," noted another user. "Couldn't agree more Martina," remarked another.