Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka learn decision on controversial ban | Tennis | Sport

This caused confusion, as the International Tennis Federation has approved the WHOOP 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and MG devices for use as player analysis technology. However, Tennis Australia, which runs the Australian Open, later confirmed that such wearable tracking devices were still not permitted at Grand Slam tournaments.

But Alcaraz, Sabalenka, and other players who wish to wear a WHOOP device during matches to collect data on their performance and recovery have now received some welcome news, as these wearables will be allowed at the upcoming French Open on a trial basis.

Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo confirmed the news during a press conference on Thursday, and said the trial would help to improve players’ performance. Tournament social media accounts wrote: “Wearables will be allowed at Roland-Garros for the first time.”

This decision was welcomed by WHOOP. In a statement, they said: “The decision by the French Tennis Federation (FFT) to allow wearables at this year’s French Open is an important milestone. At WHOOP, we will always stand by our members’ right to understand their health and performance. Data is not steroids. Access to accurate, non-invasive insights does not undermine competition. It strengthens the sport and supports players.”

Unlike other smart watches, WHOOP devices do not have a screen, meaning Alcaraz and co. cannot receive messages or other communications during a match while wearing them.

During January’s Australian Open, Sabalenka, who is a WHOOP ambassador, called for the rules to be changed after discovering that Grand Slam tournaments had a different policy, despite the ITF granting players permission to use the technology.

“The reason why I was wearing that on court is because we received the email that we got approval from the ITF to wear this device. I didn’t know that Grand Slams didn’t come to a conclusion,” she said after the quarter-finals.

“The whole year we are wearing – on WTA tournaments, all the tournaments I play – we wear WHOOP. It’s just for tracking my health. I don’t understand why Grand Slams are not allowed us to wear it.”

At the time, Tennis Australia said: “Wearables are currently not permitted at Grand Slams. The Australian Open is involved in ongoing discussions on how this situation could change.”