Jannik Sinner was asked to remove a banned fitness tracking device before his fourth-round Australian Open victory against fellow Italian Luciano Darderi. The 24-year-old tried his luck after fellow players Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka were ordered to remove the wearable tracker.
Sinner is the reigning, back-to-back champion in Melbourne and he is yet to break a sweat in defence of his crown. He eased past his first three opponents before beating Darderi in straight sets. The Italian has dropped just one set so far. But beneath the surface, there has been a hint of controversy. Other players at this year’s Australian Open were at the centre of confusion when umpires asked them to remove their WHOOP bands, namely Alcaraz and Sabalenka, who is an ambassador for the American wearable technology company. Puzzlement arose because WHOOP’s 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 and MG devices are approved as player analysis technology devices by the International Tennis Federation. Sinner has now also attempted to wear the bracelet – but to no avail.
Just moments before he began his fourth-round clash with Darderi, Sinner was asked by umpire Greg Allensworth to remove the fitness tracker. The Italian seemingly attempted to conceal his band under a conventional wristband, but the official spotted it.
Alcaraz was asked to remove a similar tracker before his first round victory over Tommy Paul. Sabalenka was also subjected to the same treatment earlier in the tournament, perhaps indicating that Sinner knew the item was banned but still attempted to wear it.
The dispute surrounding these tracking devices stems from the fact that the WHOOP wrist devices are approved by the ITF in its list of welcome Player Analysis Technology. WHOOP’s screenless bracelets track the body’s performance and monitor recovery, strain and sleep. It primarily focuses on health and fitness data, such as body stress and heart rate and transmits it in real time.
However, Tennis Australia says that wearable technology is not allowed at Grand Slams. A statement of theirs reads: “Wearables are currently not permitted at Grand Slams. The Australian Open is involved in ongoing discussions on how this situation could change.
“Some wearables provide athletes with an indication of internal load (measures like heart rate), which can give them a 360-degree view of the work they’re doing. In terms of other data provided at the AO, players can monitor key external load measures such as distance covered, changes of direction, high acceleration events and speed/spin of shots via Bolt 6.”
But the American company claims that its devices should be permitted at the event. A spokesperson said: “WHOOP believes athletes have a fundamental right to understand their own performance and health – including during competition at events like the Australian Open.
“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.”