Tennis Stars Force Rule Change to Access Health Data
In a significant shift for professional tennis, the French Open has announced it will allow players to wear fitness trackers during matches, marking the first time such devices will be permitted at a grand slam tournament. This decision follows a high-profile dispute at the Australian Open in January, where top players including Aryna Sabalenka, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner were ordered to remove their wearables before competing.
Grand Slam Trial Announced After Player Backlash
Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo confirmed the move at a press conference on Thursday, stating that connected devices will be allowed on a trial basis at the French Open, with plans to extend the policy to Wimbledon and the US Open later this year. "The use of connected devices – which provide players with a wealth of information – will be permitted for the first time at a grand slam," Mauresmo said. "Once again, the aim is to improve players' performance."
This change comes after criticism from World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who expressed frustration over the ban during the Australian Open. Sabalenka, a Whoop fitness tracker ambassador, argued that the device helps monitor her health and recovery, and she hopes other grand slams will follow suit. "I don't understand why grand slams are not allowed us to wear it, and I really hope that they will reconsider the decision," she said.
Conflict Over Wearable Technology at Australian Open
At the Australian Open, players faced strict enforcement of rules prohibiting wearable wrist technology, despite approval from the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and allowance on the ATP and WTA Tours. Tennis Australia, the event organizer, confirmed the ban but noted discussions were ongoing about future permissions.
Incidents during the tournament highlighted the issue:
- Carlos Alcaraz was caught mid-match with a device hidden under his wristband.
- Jannik Sinner was stopped by umpire Greg Allensworth before the coin toss and removed his tracker without complaint.
Sinner explained the importance of post-match data for recovery, especially after struggling with extreme heat in Melbourne. "It's more about what you can see after the match. These are datas what we would like to use also in practice sessions," he said.
Health Benefits and Data Insights from Fitness Trackers
Whoop trackers, among other devices, provide detailed health metrics that players rely on for performance optimization. According to product descriptions, these include:
- Heart rate and variability
- Recovery and activity strain scores
- Blood oxygenation and skin temperature
- Respiratory rate and blood pressure
- Sleep performance analysis
In a WTA video, Sabalenka shared how the band monitors her stress levels and advises rest days when she enters the "red zone." Similarly, Masters champion Rory McIlroy, an investor in Whoop, had his statistics published after his Augusta win, showing heart rate spikes during critical moments.
Industry Support and Regulatory Approval
The ITF approved Whoop devices last year with conditions, such as disabling haptic feedback during competition. However, the ban at grand slams drew criticism from Whoop's founder and CEO, who posted 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!"
With the French Open's trial, tennis players may soon share their own statistics, such as heart rate data during a grand slam final match point, enhancing fan engagement and athlete insights.
