The ATP has reversed its earlier ban on wearable devices, permitting players such as Carlos Alcaraz to use performance trackers again during matches, starting from Indian Wells in 2026. This shift comes after the Australian Open controversy where top athletes, including Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, were forced to remove their Whoop fitness bands before competition, igniting widespread debate on the relevance of the restriction.
Earlier in 2024, the ATP had approved the use of certain wearable technologies like STATSports and Catapult across both the ATP Tour and Challenger Tour, with data consolidated via the ATP Tennis IQ – Wearables system. This platform provides players with tailored match data and health insights, aiming to optimize performance and reduce injury risks.
Details Behind the ATP’s Decision to Reinstate Wearable Use
The ATP board confirmed that the policy amendment covers a wider range of approved wearable providers and authorizes management to finalize implementation specifics, including any necessary data governance safeguards. This update reflects the organization’s commitment to innovation and athlete welfare.
The board approved a rule that extends to the range of permitted wearable devices providers and on-court use by players in ATP competition, and authorized management to determine and finalize the implementation details, including what, if any, new data governance controls to implement
– ATP Official Statement
Ross Hutchins, ATP’s former Chief Sporting Officer, highlighted the strategic advantages of introducing wearables, saying,
The introduction of wearables on Tour is a big step forward in our push to optimise player performance and prevent injury. Ultimately, empowering players to get the very best out of their careers. We’re delighted to make cutting-edge data insights more accessible than ever and look forward to continuing our innovation in this space.
– Ross Hutchins, Former ATP Chief Sporting Officer
Wearable Device Controversy at Australian Open Causes Confusion and Outrage
Despite the 2024 approval, confusion escalated in early 2026 when players at the Australian Open faced a sudden ban on wearables mid-tournament. Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Aryna Sabalenka were all instructed to remove their Whoop bands before matches, sparking widespread frustration across players, officials, and fans.
A spokesperson for Tennis Australia confirmed that wearables were not permitted at Grand Slam events, revealing that ongoing discussions aim to resolve the issue. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) deferred commentary to Tennis Australia’s statement, maintaining the ban’s status quo during the tournament.
wearables are currently not permitted at Grand Slams,
the Australian Open is involved in ongoing discussions on how this situation could change.
– Tennis Australia Spokesperson
The ban was especially striking given that the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) had allowed wearables since 2021. Aryna Sabalenka, the women’s world number one, expressed her bewilderment during a press conference:
The reason why I was wearing that on court because we received the email that we got approval from the ITF to wear this device,
The whole year we are wearing on WTA tournaments, all the tournaments I play. It’s just for tracking my health. I don’t understand why Grand Slams have not allowed us to wear it. I really hope that they will reconsider ‌the decision and let their players track their health monitor.
– Aryna Sabalenka, World No. 1 Female Tennis Player
Whoop’s Strong Response Defends Athlete Rights During Competition
Whoop, the company behind the banned devices, criticized the ban strongly. Their spokesperson emphasized the importance of athletes accessing their personal biometric data during matches and dismissed concerns about competitive fairness or safety risks.
Whoop believes athletes have a fundamental right to understand their own performance and health — including during competition at events like the Australian Open. Whoop is approved by the International Tennis Federation for in-match wear and poses no safety, fairness, or competitive risk. Blocking access to personal health data does not protect sport.
– Whoop Company Representative
Will Ahmed, Whoop’s CEO, publicly denounced the decision on social media:
Ridiculous. Whoop is approved by the International Tennis Federation for in-match wear and poses no safety risk. Let the athletes measure their bodies. Data is not steroids!
– Will Ahmed, CEO of Whoop
Further demonstrating support for players, Ahmed sent Whoop Body collections to Australian Open competitors to help them continue their health monitoring despite the ban.
Ongoing Discrepancies Between Tours and Grand Slam Policies Creating Uncertainty
The contrasting regulations between the ATP and Grand Slam events like the Australian Open have led to confusion across the tennis community. While the ATP has adopted a progressive stance by reinstating authorized wearable use, it remains uncertain whether the ITF will adopt a similar approach for future Grand Slams.
With Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, and Jannik Sinner set to compete at the upcoming Indian Wells combined Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 event, stakeholders are closely watching how wearable device policies will be enforced going forward. Indian Wells could mark a significant turning point in establishing uniform wearable protocols for professional tennis.
The Growing Role of Wearable Tech in Professional Tennis
The integration of wearable technology into tennis represents a vital leap toward using data-driven insights to boost player health and performance sustainably. Devices approved by the ATP generate real-time analytics that help players manage fitness levels, recovery, and injury prevention with unprecedented precision.
For athletes like Carlos Alcaraz, who strive to maximize their competitive edge, access to accurate biometric data during matches is now an essential tool. As the sport evolves, these devices are shaping how players and coaches approach training and on-court tactics.
The resolution of the wearable ban saga signals a broader shift in professional sports, where technology increasingly supports athlete well-being and career longevity, despite ongoing debates about fairness and regulatory consistency.
