The Australian Open’s run-in with athlete technology this summer has continued into the second week of the Grand Slam, after a sneaky ploy from World No.2 Jannik Sinner was caught.
Just minutes out from the two-time Aus Open champion’s fourth round match with fellow Italian Luciano Darderi on Monday evening, Sinner was asked to remove a WHOOP device underneath his sweatband by his match’s chair umpire.
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The 24-year-old removed the fitness tracker without fuss, just hours after fellow superstar Carlos Alcaraz was asked to remove his pre-match.
Women’s World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka was also asked by an umpire earlier in the tournament to rid the technology, which monitors continuous health metrics such as sleep, strain, and recovery to help users optimise performance.
The ATP, which governs men’s tennis tour but not Grand Slams, has allowed players to use the technology in matches since 2024, while the WTA accepts women’s players to wear them since 2021.
In a statement provided to foxsports.com.au, WHOOP has criticised the banning of their gadget in Grand Slam events for both Men’s and Women’s players.
“WHOOP believes athletes have a fundamental right to understand their own performance and health — including during competition at events like the Australian Open,” the statement read.
“WHOOP is approved by the International Tennis Federation for in-match wear and poses no safety, fairness, or competitive risk. Blocking access to personal health data does not protect sport. WHOOP will continue to stand with athletes and our members to defend their right to their data.”
The American company was valued at $3.6 billion back in August of 2021, and is worn regularly by high-profile athletes across the globe in a variety of sports.
Sinner’s inability to wear the popular wrist ‘watch’ clearly didn’t phase him, going on to win 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) in a two-hour and nine minutes clash at Margaret Court Arena.
The back-to-back defending Aus Open champion explained his conversation with the chair umpire in his post-match press conference, before explaining why he doesn’t wear an alternate tracking device.
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“The umpire asked me straight away if this was a tracker. I said: ‘Yes’, he said: ’Remove’. It’s fine,” Sinner said.
“There are other things we could use … (like) the vest, but it’s a bit uncomfortable for me. You feel like you have something on your shoulders and it’s a bit different.”
Former Australian tennis player John Millman, among other former players, voiced his displeasure with tennis’ reluctance to accept the device in major tournaments.
“I think it’s ridiculous,” Millman told Nine on Tuesday.
“The ITF have been caught sleeping, on their back foot. They haven’t got up to date with it all. It’s ATP and WTA approved as long as the haptic feedback (vibrations) are turned off. I think the ITF have been falling asleep.”
BBC Sport reported on Monday night that the Australian Open is said to be pushing for the devices to be allowed at the majors, but a collective decision has not been signed off.
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