Carlos Alcaraz Spotted Wearing WHOOP at Australian Open—Here’s Why

Carlos Alcaraz’s recent experience at the Australian Open has sparked discussions about wearable technology in tennis. The young athlete was instructed to remove his WHOOP fitness tracker when it was flagged as an unauthorized device on the court.

WHOOP Tracker and Tennis Regulations

WHOOP, popular among elite athletes, measures recovery and strain through metrics such as heart rate and sleep quality. While these wearables typically function as passive trackers, the sport’s governing bodies take a cautious stance.

Tennis officials generally classify any connected device as potentially problematic. This is due to the risk of devices transmitting data or notifications during matches, which could lead to performance advantages or breaches of conduct rules.

Historical Context of Wearable Devices

• Tennis has long maintained strict regulations regarding electronic devices.
• The International Tennis Federation (ITF) issued a 2019 policy banning mobile phones and smartwatches at all endorsed events.
• According to this policy, any device capable of sending or receiving messages is prohibited during play.

The focus of tournament officials revolves around the potential capabilities of these devices, rather than their intended use. This grey area has led to a cautious approach toward wearables.

Reactions and Future of Wearable Tech in Tennis

Will Ahmed, the founder of WHOOP, responded to Alcaraz’s situation, labeling the incident as “ridiculous.” He pointed out that WHOOP is approved by the ITF for use during matches and poses no safety risk, emphasizing that data collection is not the same as performance-enhancing substances.

Alcaraz is not alone in facing scrutiny for using wearable technology. Other players have also been questioned about smartwatches and similar devices, reflecting ongoing concerns about access to performance data during competition.

However, changes are on the horizon. In mid-2024, the ATP announced plans to permit approved wearables during matches. This policy shift, effective from July 15, will allow devices from approved companies like STATSports and Catapult on the ATP Tour and Challenger Tour.

Conclusion

The incident involving Alcaraz highlights the evolving nature of technology in sports. Although tennis has maintained strict regulations regarding wearable devices, the embrace of biometric data is apparent. As the sport adapts, it seeks to implement standards ensuring safe and fair competition.