ATP revises controversial rule, bringing relief to Sinner and Alcaraz

The Australian Open this year caused quite a stir. The instruction for top players such as Sinner and Alcaraz to take off their sports wristbands before matches triggered heated discussions across the sport and led to doubts about the relevance of the existing rules. A shift has now occurred. After ATP modified this widely debated regulation, Alcaraz and Sinner have received "permission" to use their devices.

ATP stated in an announcement: "The Board has approved a rule that expands the range of wearable device suppliers permitted for player use during ATP events and their on-court usage permissions. It has authorized management to determine and finalize implementation details, including whether new data governance controls need to be introduced."

This rule adjustment paves the way for players to resume using approved equipment, including the popular Whoop band. The policy will take effect starting from the Indian Wells tournament.

As early as 2024, ATP had already approved the use of wearable devices from STATSports and Catapult during ATP Tour and Challenger matches, with implementation officially beginning on July 15 of that year.

Ross Hutchins, then ATP Chief Sports Officer, explained the vision: "Introducing wearable devices on Tour is a significant step in our efforts to optimize player performance and injury prevention. The ultimate goal is to empower players to perform at their best throughout their careers. We are excited to make cutting-edge data insights more accessible than ever and look forward to continued innovation in this area."

However, despite prior approval, confusion arose during the 2026 Australian Open—several top players were asked to remove their fitness trackers before the Round of 16, surprising fans and experts alike. Both Alcaraz and Sinner were required to take off their devices ahead of their fourth-round matches, quickly sparking controversy.

A Tennis Australia spokesperson confirmed via email: "Wearable devices are currently not permitted during Grand Slam matches." They added: "The Australian Open is participating in ongoing discussions about how this might change." When asked for comment, an International Tennis Federation spokesperson referred to the statement from the Australian Open.

A representative from Whoop also responded. The company's users include sports stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James, and Rory McIlroy. The spokesperson stated: "Whoop believes athletes have a fundamental right to understand their own performance and health—including during competitions like the Australian Open. Whoop is approved by the International Tennis Federation for in-match wear and poses no safety, fairness, or competitive risks. Preventing access to personal health data does not protect the sport."

Since 2021, the WTA has allowed female players to wear wearable devices. However, world number one Sabalenka was also asked to remove her device during the Australian Open, a decision that surprised her and many others. Sabalenka expressed her confusion openly at a press conference: "I wore it on court because we received an email saying it was approved by the ITF to wear this device."

She added: "I've been wearing it all year at WTA events, at every tournament I've played. It's just to track my health. I don't understand why Grand Slams don't allow us to wear it. I really hope they reconsider this decision and let players monitor their own health data."

The controversy extended beyond players. Whoop CEO Will Ahmed spoke out strongly after the ban in Melbourne, expressing his frustration on social media: "Absurd. Whoop is approved by the ITF for in-match wear and poses no safety risk. Let athletes measure their own bodies. Data is not doping!"

In another post, Ahmed announced he had sent Whoop Body products to players competing at the Australian Open to help them continue tracking their health, publicly showing his support for the athletes.

Since then, ATP has updated its stance on wearable devices. However, it remains unclear whether the ITF will make similar adjustments. The discrepancy in rules between the tours and the Grand Slams continues to draw external attention. Sabalenka, Alcaraz, and Sinner are scheduled to compete next week at Indian Wells, a combined ATP Masters and WTA 1000 event that will be closely watched.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Spark)