Tennis stars ordered to remove banned fitness monitoring devices at Australian Open
Three prominent figures in tennis were instructed to discard banned fitness monitoring devices at the Australian Open, highlighting a significant inconsistency between Grand Slam regulations and those applicable to the broader professional circuit, reports BritPanorama.
Defending champion Jannik Sinner was asked by umpire Greg Allensworth to remove his Whoop wristband before his fourth-round match against Luciano Darderi on Monday. Sinner had concealed the device under his sweatband.
Carlos Alcaraz experienced a similar fate on Sunday, as chair umpire Marija Cicak spotted his tracker prior to his victory over Tommy Paul. Women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka was also requested to take off her device ahead of her opening match, appearing taken aback by the order.
The International Tennis Federation has approved Whoop devices for in-match use, allowing players to wear them during ATP and WTA tour events. This contradiction raises questions about why similar allowances are not made in Grand Slam tournaments.
In response to the enforcement actions, Whoop’s founder and CEO Will Ahmed vehemently criticized the decision, stating, “Ridiculous. Whoop is approved by the International Tennis Federation for in-match wear and poses no safety risk. Let the athletes measure their bodies. Data is not steroids!” The technology is favoured by numerous high-profile athletes, including Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James, and offers insights into physical stress and recovery optimization.
Former Australian champion Lleyton Hewitt voiced strong disapproval of the ITF’s handling of the situation. “I’m not sure what the ITF are doing well at the moment anyway,” he remarked. “They’ve had a horror with Davis Cup and now this, and making new rules now, when you can use it on the WTA Tour, it doesn’t make any sense whatsoever.”
Additionally, nine-time Wimbledon doubles champion Todd Woodbridge echoed similar frustrations, questioning the rationale behind the regulations. “They worry you can use it for coaching. Well, we’ve got coaching! Why can’t you have your own data? Sometimes our rules in tennis… one rule is over here and the other one says ‘no’. Can we get our rules the same please?”
Tennis Australia confirmed that wearable technology remains prohibited at all four major championships, though the organisation has indicated potential changes to this policy might be forthcoming. A spokesperson elaborated that while wearables are currently banned at Grand Slams, discussions on how this situation could evolve are in progress.
As the ongoing debate highlights the divide between technology’s role in modern sport and regulatory practices, Whoop reaffirmed athletes’ rights to access their health data, asserting that preventing such access does not safeguard the integrity of the sport.
In an age where performance analytics are redefining athletic preparation and recovery, this clash brings to light the complexities of evolving sports regulations and the practicalities of player welfare at the top level.
