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There has been an unlikely talking point at this year’s Australian Open: fitness trackers.
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka have each been asked to remove the trackers from their wrists during their runs to the quarter-finals in Melbourne.
The use of health analytical devices – known as ‘wearables’ – was approved by the ATP (men’s tour) in 2024 and WTA (women’s tour) in 2021.
However, the ATP and WTA do not govern Grand Slams, and the devices are yet to be permitted at major tournaments.
A widely-reported statement by Tennis Australia – the organisers of the Australian Open – confirmed that wearables are not allowed at the competition, but said it was “involved in ongoing discussions” over whether they would be approved in the future.
During his fourth-round victory over Tommy Paul, Alcaraz was asked to remove a fitness tracker he was wearing underneath a sweatband on his wrist.
Sinner was also required to remove the device before his victory against Luciano Darderi.
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Speaking in his post-match press conference, Sinner said: “Yeah, there is certain data what we would like to track a little bit on court. It’s not for the live thing – it’s more about you can see after the match.
“These are datas what we would like to use also in practice sessions, because from that you can practice on with the heart rate, how much calories you burn, all these kind of things.
“The umpire asked me straightaway if this is the tracker. I said yes. He said remove. It’s fine.
“There are other things we could use. It’s the vest. But it’s a bit for me uncomfortable. You feel like you have something on the shoulders. It’s a bit different.
“But rules are rules. I understand. I won’t use it again.”
ATP announced in June 2024 that wearable technology would be permitted across the ATP Tour and ATP Challenger Tour.
Ross Hutchins, the chief sporting officer of the men’s tennis organisation said the rule change was “a big step forward in our push to optimise player performance and prevent injury”, and would help empower players “to get the very best out of their careers”.
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Specifically, WHOOP fitness devices were approved by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) in December 2025, on the provision that haptic feedback (i.e. vibration) was disabled.
The devices are screenless, and track data such as heart rate, heart rate variability, sleep stages and performance, recovery, activity strain metrics, blood oxygenation and skin temperature.
WHOOP founder and CEO Will Ahmed said in a post on X that the technology “poses no safety risk” and urged it to be permitted in order to “let the athletes measure their bodies”.
Stream every match of the 2026 Australian Open live and on-demand on discovery+