World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz Caught Using a Banned Device Ahead of Australian Open Showdown With Alex de Minaur
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz was ordered to remove a banned fitness tracker before his Australian Open fourth-round match, sparking a rules debate ahead of his quarter-final against Alex de Minaur. The incident unfolded during the warm-up on Rod Laver Arena ahead of Alcaraz's straight-sets win over Tommy Paul. Chair umpire Marija Cicak noticed a device concealed beneath Alcaraz's wrist sweatband and instructed the Spaniard to remove it. Alcaraz complied without protest, with the exchange later shown on the world feed. The device was a Whoop band, a screenless wearable used by elite athletes to track recovery, exertion and sleep, while analyzing heart rate and blood oxygen via synced devices. Despite their widespread use, data-transmitting wearables are restricted at Grand Slams under ITF rules unless pre-approved, due to concerns over communication, coaching and betting integrity.
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Clash of Rules: Why Grand Slam Wearables Are in the Spotlight
Veteran commentator Mark Petchey explained the ruling on broadcast, telling viewers: 'You're not allowed to play with a Whoop watch here or anything that monitors your vitals or anything else.' Confusion has followed because Whoop devices are permitted on the ATP and WTA Tours - and the company is an official WTA partner - creating a clash between tour regulations and Grand Slam enforcement. Whoop founder Will Ahmed pushed back publicly, posting on X: '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.' The company behind the device issued a statement on the International Tennis Federation ban. 'WHOOP believes athletes have a fundamental right to understand their own performance and health - including during competition at events like the Australian Open,' the statement read. '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.'
Alcaraz Advances to Quarter-Finals as De Minaur Advances in Style
On court, Alcaraz was unaffected. After being briefly broken early, he steadied to beat Paul 7-6(8-6), 6-4, 7-5, extending a flawless run in Melbourne where he has yet to drop a set. The win set up a quarter-final showdown with de Minaur, who stormed into the last eight with a 6-4, 6-1, 6-1 demolition of Alexander Bublik in just 92 minutes. Following the match, de Minaur said he was satisfied with his level of play and focused on his next challenge. 'So I'm super pleased with my level, I'm excited for the next one. That's going to be a big one, right? I'm going to have to come out all guns blazing and I'm excited for a battle against Carlitos,' he said. The upcoming quarter-final will mark their first meeting in a Grand Slam setting. De Minaur has yet to record a win over Alcaraz in their ATP Tour meetings, trailing 0-5 in head-to-head competition.
Heat Threats Loom Over Melbourne as Schedule Could Move Indoors
Extreme heat conditions forecast for Melbourne, with temperatures expected to trigger the tournament's Heat Stress Policy, are likely to influence the scheduling and environment for the match, with the potential for an indoor session.
