The Australian Open became the center of an unexpected controversy when top players Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka were instructed to remove their WHOOP fitness trackers during matches. The incident sparked a global debate over player health data, wearable technology, and inconsistent regulations across professional tennis.
The situation unfolded when chair umpire Marija Cicak asked Alcaraz to remove his WHOOP device during his fourth-round match. Though he complied, the visible confusion and frustration resonated widely with fans. Sabalenka faced the same directive soon after, further intensifying the controversy.
WHOOP CEO Will Ahmed criticized the decision, highlighting that the device is approved by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) for in-match use and poses no safety risk. WHOOP also released a video showing global athletes, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Rory McIlroy, using their bands, underlining its standard use among elite performers.
Source: Tennis.com
The controversy reflects the unique structure of tennis governance. While WHOOP has been approved on both the ATP and WTA tours, the four Grand Slams operate independently. “I didn’t know that Grand Slams hadn’t reached a conclusion,” said Sabalenka, expressing the players’ confusion. The devices have been widely used since WHOOP partnered with the WTA in 2021 and the ATP in 2024.
Tennis Australia confirmed that wearables are currently not allowed at Grand Slam events. Players were directed to rely on external metrics, such as distance covered and shot speed, provided by the tournament’s partner Bolt6. However, WHOOP tracks internal metrics like heart rate variability, recovery, and sleep. These are critical information for monitoring player health, especially under the punishing Australian Open heat.
Two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner echoed players’ sentiments, explaining that in-match data is valuable for training and recovery, not for live competition. “It’s about monitoring your body after the match,” he said, emphasizing the gap between tour-wide regulations and Grand Slam rules.
In response, WHOOP launched the Body Collection, athletic apparel with integrated sensors, allowing players to track their metrics discreetly without wearing wristbands, challenging the practical impact of the ban.
The incident at the Australian Open highlights a growing need for modernized and unified rules across tennis. As sports science advances, governing bodies must prioritize player welfare and embrace data-driven insights as tools for performance improvement rather than sources of conflict.
