Kostyuk, who is 1.7m, went on to explain that she has to work harder to cover the court. Sabalenka stands just under 1.8m, while Swiatek is 1.7m. The comments drew a scathing reaction from fans on social media, with some accusing her of being transphobic while others labelled her answer “embarrassing”.

Another user pointed out that last year’s Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini, who at 1.6m is one of the smallest players on the women’s tour, recently beat Swiatek 6-1, 6-2 earlier this month at the Wuhan Open.

Another dismissed Kostyuk’s comments by describing them as the “dumbest excuse for bad results I’ve seen from a player for a long time”.

Sabalenka has a 100% win record against Kostyuk in the four matches they have played. The Ukrainian lost twice in consecutive tournaments to the Belarusian earlier this year when they met in the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open and in the last 16 at the Italian Open last May.

Swiatek, meanwhile, is also unbeaten against Kostyuk over three matches, although the Pole received a walkover when they were due to meet at August’s Cincinnati Open.

All biological women have natural levels of testosterone – albeit a much lower concentration than men – which fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, peaking around the time of ovulation.

The hormone is made in the ovaries and helps regulate sex drive, maintains muscle mass and is considered vital for a woman’s reproductive health.

The WTA declined to comment when approached by Telegraph Sport. Swiatek’s and Sabalenka’s respective agents have been contacted for comment.

Kostyuk’s representative has been contacted for comment.