Australian Open 2026: Jannik Sinner speaks out after becoming latest star caught breaking rule

Jannik Sinner has moved to explain why the players have been wearing 'Whoop' fitness trackers at the Australian Open after he became the latest big-name star ordered to remove his. Debate has erupted around the tennis world after World No.1 players Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka were asked by officials to remove their wearable trackers before matches.

On Monday night before his fourth-round match against fellow Italian Luciano Darderi, Sinner was also seen being asked by the chair umpire to take his Whoop off. Just like Alcaraz, Sinner had been wearing his device under a sweat-band on his wrist.

A Whoop is a screen-less health monitor that helps athletes track their physical output. Players wear them to assist in recovery as they can easily monitor how much energy they expanded during a match, while they also track things like sleep and heart rate.

The tracker is allowed on the ATP and WTA tours, and is currently listed as an approved device on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) website as long as athletes follow strict rules surrounding their use and get pre-approval. However they're currently banned at grand slam events, including the Australian Open.

"There is certain data what we would like to track a little bit on court," Sinner said in his press conference after reaching the quarter-finals. "It's not for the live thing. It's more about [what] you can see after the match.

"These are datas what we would like to use also in practice sessions, because from that you can practice on with the heart rate, how much calories you burn, all these kind of things. The umpire asked me straight away, if this is the tracker. I said yes. He said remove. It's fine."

Sinner said he's tried other wearable technology like vests with monitors, but finds them uncomfortable. "You feel like you have something on the shoulders," he said of the vests. "It's a bit different. But rules are rules. I understand. I won't use it again."

Tennis Australia responds amid Australian Open tracker storm

Tennis fans and commentators were surprised Sinner tried to wear his Whoop on Monday night considering the very public situation surrounding Alcaraz and Sabalenka being asked to remove theirs. "All the players know that they're banned, but he tried his luck," one commentator said on Eurosport.

Tennis Australia has confirmed that the Whoop is currently not allowed at the Australian Open. "The Australian Open is involved in ongoing discussions on how this situation could change," Tennis Australia told The Independent.

WHOOP said in an official statement on Monday: "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 will continue to stand with athletes and our members to defend their right to their data."

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