Tennis Stars Push for Fitness Tracker Approval in Grand Slams

Tennis players, including Aryna Sabalenka, call on the Australian Open to allow wrist-worn fitness trackers. These devices, approved by the International Tennis Federation, help monitor health and performance, but are currently banned at Grand Slams. Discussions are ongoing about policy changes.

Aryna Sabalenka has urged the Australian Open to reconsider its prohibition on wrist-worn fitness trackers after several players were asked to remove the devices before matches. These fitness trackers, approved by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), have been worn by top players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

Despite being permitted at most men's and women's tour events, wearable trackers have not received clearance for Grand Slam use. Sabalenka expressed confusion over the restriction, stating, "We wear Whoop at WTA tournaments all year to track our health, and I hope Grand Slams will reconsider."

Tennis Australia's governing body indicated that they are in discussions to potentially change this rule. Meanwhile, Alcaraz and Sinner were among those asked to remove their devices. The debate over the use of wearables in tennis highlights the sport's challenges in balancing tradition with emerging technologies.