The controversy surrounding the Australian Open’s stance on fitness trackers has escalated, as the company at the center of the debate, Whoop, announced on Wednesday that it is sending undergarments with built-in sensor devices to its star players. This move comes after the tournament organizers banned players from wearing Whoop bands during matches.
Whoop, a fitness tracker company, claims to have developed a “body collection” of undergarments equipped with sensor devices, which are being shipped to top tennis players, including women’s world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner, and Spanish superstar Carlos Alcaraz. The company insists that these garments can be worn discreetly and effectively, challenging the tournament’s restrictions.
Whoop’s Response to the Ban
In a bold statement on social media, Whoop CEO Will Ahmed declared, “To all the tennis players at the Australian Open. The sensor can be worn discreetly and effectively in our new undergarments. It’s going to take a strip search to keep Whoop off the court.” Ahmed further elaborated in a video statement, expressing his company’s determination to address what he described as an “enormous scandal” with the Australian Open.
“The Australian Open has come out saying that the world’s best tennis players cannot wear their Whoop (bands) in matches,” Ahmed stated. “Now this is in direct contradiction to the work we’ve done with the ITF (International Tennis Federation) that says that Whoops can be worn in matches and it’s safe to do so.”
“So what are we doing today? We are going to be shipping out our Whoop body apparel. That’s right. Little do you know you can wear Whoops not just on your wrist, but in your undergarments,” Ahmed announced.
Players’ Reactions and ITF Regulations
The Whoop bands are officially listed as allowed devices on the ITF website and are permitted at other WTA tournaments. However, the Australian Open’s decision has left players like Aryna Sabalenka perplexed. Sabalenka has called on grand slam organizers to reconsider their ban, citing the importance of tracking her health during matches.
“The reason why I was wearing that on court is because we received an email that we got approval from the ITF to wear this device,” Sabalenka explained. “I don’t understand why the grand slams are not allowing us to wear it and I really hope that they will reconsider the decision.”
Tennis Australia, however, maintains that “wearables” such as Whoop bands are not permitted at grand slams. In a statement, they noted ongoing discussions about potential changes to this policy, highlighting the benefits of other tracking technologies like Bolt 6, which is used for electronic line calling at the Australian Open.
The Broader Implications
The debate over fitness trackers at the Australian Open raises broader questions about the role of technology in sports. While devices like Whoop bands offer valuable insights into players’ performance and health, they also pose challenges related to privacy and competitive fairness.
Jannik Sinner, another player caught in the controversy, expressed his understanding of the rules but emphasized the potential benefits of fitness tracking. “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 what you can see after the match,” he said.
“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,” Sinner added.
As the debate continues, the outcome could have significant implications for the future of wearable technology in professional sports. The resolution of this issue may set a precedent for how other tournaments handle similar situations, potentially influencing the integration of technology into the athletic world.
Meanwhile, players and organizers alike will be watching closely to see how the Australian Open navigates this complex issue, balancing the benefits of technological advancement with the integrity of the sport.
