The Australian Open is usually all about blistering forehands, five-set thrillers, and players battling the brutal summer heat.
This time, though, a slim fitness band wrapped around a few wrists managed to steal some of the spotlight — and it has players, fans, and former champions seriously scratching their heads.
Carlos Alcaraz Stopped Mid-Match Over a Wearable
Carlos Alcaraz was already locked into competition mode when he stepped onto the court against 19th seed Tommy Paul at Melbourne Park.
But before wrapping up his straight-sets win, chair umpire Marija Cicak noticed something unusual — a fitness tracker tucked under a sweatband on his arm.
The official asked Alcaraz to remove the WHOOP band immediately.
The six-time Grand Slam champion didn’t argue and simply took it off, but the moment raised eyebrows, especially given how common these devices are in elite sports.
What Exactly Is a WHOOP Band?
WHOOP trackers are widely used by top athletes to monitor things like heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and recovery after intense workouts.
Cristiano Ronaldo is a global ambassador for the brand, while stars like Rory McIlroy and LeBron James also rely on the data it provides.
The idea is simple: help athletes understand how their bodies are coping and when they need rest. Nothing tactical.
Nothing performance-enhancing in the traditional sense. Just data.
Alcaraz Wasn’t Alone in Being Pulled Up
It quickly became clear this wasn’t a one-off incident.
Aryna Sabalenka faced the same issue before her first-round win against Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah.
She was told to remove her WHOOP device before play began and walked away looking more confused than upset.
Defending Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner also found himself in the same situation ahead of his match against fellow Italian Luciano Darderi.
Like the others, he complied — but the timing raised more questions than answers.
The Heat Factor Makes the Rule Harder to Swallow
Sinner’s situation felt particularly ironic.
Just days earlier, he had struggled badly with cramp during extreme heat in his third-round match against Eliot Spizzirri, with temperatures at Melbourne Park climbing close to 40°C.
Despite the physical scare, Sinner eventually overcame Darderi in straight sets.
Still, fans and former players couldn’t help asking the obvious question: if players are battling dangerous heat, why block access to personal health monitoring?
The Rule That’s Fueling the Confusion
Here’s where it gets messy.
WHOOP bands are approved by the International Tennis Federation, and players are allowed to wear them during matches on tour.
However, Tennis Australia confirmed that wearable devices are currently banned at Grand Slam events.
According to a spokesperson, the concern lies in the internal load data some wearables provide, such as heart rate information, which could theoretically be used for coaching insights.
The Australian Open says discussions are ongoing about potentially changing the rule in the future.
Ironically, players are still given access to other forms of data during the tournament, including distance covered, movement patterns, acceleration, and shot speed through systems like Bolt 6.
Tennis Legends Call the Ban “Bizarre”
The backlash was swift.
WHOOP founder Will Ahmed didn’t mince words, calling the decision “ridiculous” and insisting that personal health data is not performance cheating.
Australian tennis icon Lleyton Hewitt was equally blunt, questioning the ITF’s direction and pointing to recent controversies like the Davis Cup as evidence of deeper problems.
Todd Woodbridge piled on, highlighting the inconsistency of the rule.
Coaching is already allowed on tour, he argued, so banning athletes from accessing their own health data makes little sense.
WHOOP Pushes Back on Behalf of Players
WHOOP has doubled down on its stance, saying athletes have a fundamental right to understand their own bodies — especially during physically demanding events like the Australian Open.
The company insists the devices pose no safety, fairness, or competitive risks and argues that blocking access to health data does nothing to protect the sport.
Sinner Admits He Got Lucky With the Heat Rules
As for Sinner, he openly acknowledged that tournament heat rules played in his favor during his tough win over Spizzirri.
After officials paused play and closed the roof at Rod Laver Arena, he regrouped and finished strong.
Looking back, Sinner said the break allowed him to recover physically and mentally — a reminder of just how fine the margins can be in elite tennis.
What’s Next for Wearables in Tennis?
With top players being stopped mid-match, legends openly criticizing the rule, and wearable tech becoming more common across sports, pressure is mounting on Grand Slam organizers to rethink their stance.
For now, players will keep peeling off their fitness bands before stepping on court.
But the debate over health data, player safety, and outdated regulations is far from over — and it’s only getting louder.
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