Alcaraz Caught Using Prohibited Device

Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 1 tennis player, made headlines during his recent match at the Australian Open when he was asked to remove a fitness-tracking device. The incident happened before his fourth-round victory against American Tommy Paul, where he won with scores of 7-6 (8/6), 6-4, 7-5 on the iconic Rod Laver Arena.

Incident During Warm-Up

During the warm-up, chair umpire Marija Cicak noticed a Whoop watch on Alcaraz’s wrist, which prompted a discussion caught by television cameras. Although Alcaraz complied and removed the device, the interaction drew attention in the midst of the match.

Reactions to the Device Ban

The ban on wearable technology has stirred debate among tennis experts. Veteran commentator Mark Petchey clarified that players are not allowed to use devices that monitor their vitals, including the Whoop device. The founder of Whoop, Will Ahmed, defended the technology, stating, “Whoop is approved by the International Tennis Federation for in-match wear and poses no safety risk.” He further argued for athletes’ rights to track their performance independently.

• Alcaraz was asked to remove his Whoop watch before the match.
• Tennis Australia’s statement noted that wearables are currently prohibited at Grand Slam events.
• Discussions are ongoing about potentially changing this rule.

Notably, Aryna Sabalenka, the Women’s World No. 1, faced a similar situation earlier in the tournament. Former players Todd Woodbridge and Lleyton Hewitt criticized the rules surrounding wearable devices, labeling them inconsistent. They pointed out that while athletes can’t wear devices during matches, they can utilize them on other tours.

Performance Highlights

Carlos Alcaraz has showcased impressive performance throughout the tournament, not dropping a single set so far. His next challenge is against Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals. If he secures a victory, he will become the youngest player ever to achieve a career Grand Slam by winning all four major titles.

Upcoming Challenges

Both players are set to face extreme weather conditions, with temperatures projected to reach 44°C. Alcaraz’s previous match saw him initially struggle, trailing 3-1 before recovering and ultimately securing an emphatic victory in two hours and 44 minutes. He credits his serve, particularly the first serve, as a key factor in his ongoing success.

The tournament continues to unfold with high stakes, and the debate surrounding the use of technology in sports mirrors broader discussions about athlete autonomy and performance tracking.