Jannik Sinner has addressed the growing controversy surrounding the use of ‘Whoop’ fitness trackers at the Australian Open 2026. The Italian tennis star became the latest high-profile player to be instructed to remove his device, following similar incidents involving World No.1 players Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka. The debate over wearable technology has intensified as officials enforce the ban on these devices during matches at Grand Slam events.
On Monday night, just before his fourth-round match against fellow Italian Luciano Darderi, Sinner was asked by the chair umpire to remove his Whoop, which he had been wearing discreetly under a sweatband on his wrist. The Whoop is a screen-less health monitor that athletes use to track physical output, recovery, sleep, and heart rate. While approved for use on the ATP and WTA tours, and listed as an approved device by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the Whoop is currently banned at Grand Slam tournaments, including the Australian Open.
Understanding the Whoop Tracker
In a press conference after advancing to the quarter-finals, Sinner explained the rationale behind using the Whoop. “There is certain data what we would like to track a little bit on court,” he stated. “It’s not for the live thing. It’s more about [what] you can see after the match.” He emphasized the importance of such data for training, noting that it helps athletes monitor heart rate and calorie expenditure.
Sinner also shared his experience with other wearable technologies, such as vests with monitors, which he finds uncomfortable. “You feel like you have something on the shoulders,” he remarked. Despite his preference for the Whoop, Sinner acknowledged the rules, stating, “It’s fine. I understand. I won’t use it again.”
Tennis Australia’s Response
The incident with Sinner follows a similar situation involving Alcaraz and Sabalenka, which has sparked widespread discussion among tennis fans and commentators. “All the players know that they’re banned, but he tried his luck,” a commentator noted on Eurosport.
Tennis Australia has confirmed the current ban on Whoop devices at the Australian Open. In a statement to The Independent, they mentioned, “The Australian Open is involved in ongoing discussions on how this situation could change.”
WHOOP’s Official Stance
In response to the controversy, WHOOP issued an official statement on Monday. “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. The company emphasized that the device is approved by the ITF 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.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Wearable Tech in Tennis
The debate over wearable technology in tennis is not new but has gained renewed attention with these recent incidents. The use of technology in sports has always been a balancing act between enhancing performance and maintaining the integrity of competition. As discussions continue, the tennis world is watching closely to see how governing bodies will adapt to the evolving landscape of sports technology.
The outcome of these discussions could set a precedent for the use of similar devices in other sports and competitions. As athletes increasingly rely on technology to optimize performance, the question remains: how can the sport embrace innovation while upholding its traditions and rules?
For now, players like Sinner must navigate these regulations, but the ongoing dialogue suggests that changes may be on the horizon. Tennis fans and players alike await further developments, hoping for a resolution that respects both the athletes’ needs and the sport’s integrity.
