Not Steroids: Tennis Stars Rage Over Whoop Watch Ban (2026)

The tennis world is abuzz with controversy as the top-ranked player, Carlos Alcaraz, faced off against the chair umpire and the governing body over a fitness-tracking device. During the warm-up at the Rod Laver Arena, the chair umpire, Marija Cicak, noticed a Whoop watch on Alcaraz's wrist, which is banned from the tournament. The exchange was captured on television, and Alcaraz promptly removed the device. However, not everyone is happy with the decision. Whoop's founder, Will Ahmed, took to social media to hit back at the blacklisting of the technology, stating that 'Data is not steroids.' Australian tennis legends, Todd Woodbridge and Lleyton Hewitt, also expressed their anger, calling for greater consistency in the rules and questioning the authority of the International Tennis Federation (ITF). The controversy raises important questions about player wellness and the role of governing bodies in regulating technology in sports. What do you think? Do you agree with the decision to ban the Whoop watch, or do you think it's a matter of player autonomy and data-driven decision-making? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Not Steroids: Tennis Stars Rage Over Whoop Watch Ban (2026)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Zonia Mosciski DO

Last Updated:

Views: 6258

Rating: 4 / 5 (51 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Zonia Mosciski DO

Birthday: 1996-05-16

Address: Suite 228 919 Deana Ford, Lake Meridithberg, NE 60017-4257

Phone: +2613987384138

Job: Chief Retail Officer

Hobby: Tai chi, Dowsing, Poi, Letterboxing, Watching movies, Video gaming, Singing

Introduction: My name is Zonia Mosciski DO, I am a enchanting, joyous, lovely, successful, hilarious, tender, outstanding person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.