Tennis players at the Australian Open, including Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka, were instructed by umpires to remove WHOOP fitness trackers worn under their wristbands during matches, despite the devices being allowed at previous tournaments.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has approved several WHOOP models — including WHOOP 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and MG — for in-match use, provided haptic feedback is disabled. However, while Grand Slam events are sanctioned by the ITF, they operate with a degree of autonomy and can impose additional rules of their own. This has resulted in inconsistent enforcement at the Australian Open.
WHOOP founder and CEO Will Ahmed said on X that the trackers pose no safety risk and remain ITF-approved. Despite this, umpires at the tournament required players to remove the devices, marking a shift from policies seen at ATP and WTA events.
In response, WHOOP sent its Body apparel collection to players competing at the Australian Open. The apparel allows the tracker to be worn on parts of the body other than the wrist by concealing it within garments such as undergarments or sportswear.
However, the move is unlikely to fully resolve the issue. Since the tracker itself remains prohibited during matches, wearing it under clothing could still violate tournament regulations. Players risk penalties if officials determine the device is being used in any form during competition.
WHOOP is known for its screenless fitness tracker, which focuses on strain, recovery, and long-term performance metrics rather than traditional smartwatch features. The device has become popular among professional athletes seeking deeper physiological insights, but the Australian Open controversy highlights the challenges wearable technology faces in tightly regulated sports environments.
For now, athletes may be better off avoiding WHOOP trackers entirely during Grand Slam matches until clearer and more consistent rules are established.
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