Australian Open 2026: Fitness Tracker Controversy Erupts as Alcaraz and Sabalenka Face Device Ban
The Australian Open 2026 has been rocked by a surprising controversy involving fitness tracking technology, as top-ranked players Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka were forced to remove their Whoop devices during matches. This incident has sparked widespread debate among players, officials, and tennis legends over the role of data in modern sports.
The On-Court Incident That Started It All
During his fourth-round victory over Tommy Paul on Sunday, Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz was spotted wearing a Whoop fitness tracker on his wrist by chair umpire Marija Cicak. The official promptly requested that Alcaraz remove the device, citing tournament regulations that prohibit such wearables during Grand Slam events. Alcaraz complied immediately, but the exchange did not go unnoticed.
Similarly, women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka, who serves as a WHOOP ambassador, also faced restrictions regarding her fitness tracker. These incidents have created confusion, particularly because Whoop devices are officially sanctioned under International Tennis Federation (ITF) rules as approved player analysis technology.
Outrage from Whoop Founder and Tennis Legends
Will Ahmed, founder of Whoop, expressed his frustration on social media platform X, posting: "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." His statement captured the essence of the debate: whether collecting physiological data should be treated differently from performance-enhancing substances.
Australian tennis greats Todd Woodbridge and Lleyton Hewitt joined the criticism, slamming the Australian Open organizers for what they perceive as inconsistent and confusing regulations. Woodbridge highlighted the discrepancy between men's and women's tours, noting that the WTA has arrangements allowing women to wear such devices at certain times, while the ITF prohibits them.
"We've got coaching; why can't you have your own data? I don't understand those rules," Woodbridge remarked during a Channel Nine broadcast, questioning the logic behind restricting athletes from accessing their own physiological information.
The ITF Rules and Grand Slam Exceptions
According to the ITF website, Player Analysis Technology (PAT) includes any equipment that collects, stores, transmits, analyzes, or communicates information on player performance. The Rules of Tennis specify that any PAT used in tournaments must be listed as approved products that have been tested and conform to specifications in Appendix III of the Rules.
Whoop devices (models 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and MG) appear on this approved list, making the Australian Open's ban particularly puzzling. The devices are designed to provide athletes with insights into their internal load, including metrics like heart rate, offering a comprehensive view of their physical responses during competition.
Tennis Australia's Official Response
In response to the growing backlash, Tennis Australia issued a statement on Monday clarifying their position. While acknowledging that Whoop devices are approved under ITF rules, they emphasized that wearables remain prohibited during Grand Slam tournaments.
"Wearables are currently not permitted at Grand Slams. The Australian Open is involved in ongoing discussions on how this situation could change," the statement read. Tennis Australia also noted that players have access to other data collection methods at the tournament, including Bolt 6 technology that monitors external load measures such as distance covered, changes of direction, and shot speed.
Broader Implications for Tennis and Sports Technology
This controversy raises important questions about the intersection of technology, athlete wellness, and competitive fairness in professional tennis. As Hewitt pointed out, "Do we really need the ITF? They've had a horror with Davis Cup and now with this, making new rules... When you can use it on the WTA Tour, it doesn't make any sense whatsoever."
The incident highlights the tension between allowing athletes to monitor their health and performance metrics while maintaining the integrity of competition rules. With wearable technology becoming increasingly sophisticated, sports governing bodies face the challenge of adapting regulations to keep pace with innovation while ensuring fair play.
As the Australian Open 2026 continues, this debate over fitness trackers serves as a reminder of how data collection has become an integral part of modern athletics, forcing tournaments and organizations to reconsider long-standing policies in light of technological advancement.
