Banned Device Scandal at AO Ready to Erupt with Tactic Exposure

The Australian Open faces a significant controversy regarding the use of the WHOOP tracking device among competitors. Top-ranked players Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka have recently been instructed to remove their devices during matches. This issue also affected defending men’s champion Jannik Sinner, who attempted to conceal his device under a sweatband.

Banned Device Scandal at the Australian Open

The situation escalated after WHOOP’s founder, Will Ahmed, announced plans to send specially designed undergarments that allow players to wear the device discreetly during matches. Ahmed expressed his concerns in a video, emphasizing the contradiction between the Australian Open’s rules and those of the International Tennis Federation (ITF), which permits wearable technology during games.

Details of the Device Controversy

Ahmed stated, “We are going to be shipping out our WHOOP body apparel… boxers, bras, and underwear to the world’s best tennis players.” This move aims to protect athletes’ rights to monitor their health and performance, amidst growing tensions at the event.

Player Reactions

• Aryna Sabalenka: Voiced confusion over the conflicting rules surrounding the device at various tournaments. She noted that players were informed by ITF that the device could be worn during matches.
• Jannik Sinner: Explained that the WHOOP device helps track health metrics like heart rate and calories burned, valuable for practice or post-match analysis.

Both players expressed frustrations over the lack of consistency in rules regarding wearable technology at Grand Slam events compared to other tournaments.

Official Statements

In response to the incidents, Tennis Australia affirmed that wearables are not currently permitted at Grand Slams. However, they are in discussions about how the policy could evolve. The organization highlighted that players can still access certain data through other technologies, like those used for electronic line calling.

The upcoming semi-finals are likely to intensify this intriguing saga at the Australian Open as both players and organizers navigate the complex rules surrounding technology in sports.

As debates continue, both players and the tennis community at large are keenly awaiting further developments on the use of wearables in future tournaments.