French Open permits wearable fitness trackers after Australian Open ban
The French Open will allow players to wear fitness trackers during matches on a trial basis after several leading stars were prevented from using them at the Australian Open.
The landmark decision marks the first time wearable technology will be officially permitted during competition at a Grand Slam tennis tournament.
Controversy previously erupted in Melbourne this January when prominent competitors were instructed to remove their smart devices prior to stepping onto the court.
Player frustration prompts policy shift
Top-tier athletes including Aryna Sabalenka, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner generated significant headlines after clashing with officials over strict equipment regulations down under.
While the International Tennis Federation already approved these physiological monitors for standard ATP and WTA Tour events, Grand Slam organisers had historically enforced a different set of stringent guidelines.
Following vocal criticism from the reigning Australian Open women’s champion, Roland Garros tournament director Amelie Mauresmo announced the progressive rule change during a press conference on Thursday.
Grand Slams align on data access
Organisers confirmed that this initial trial period in Paris will eventually extend to both Wimbledon and the US Open later in the calendar year.
This unified approach will finally grant elite competitors uninterrupted access to crucial biometric data throughout the sport’s most prestigious events.
The use of connected devices – which provide players with a wealth of information – will be permitted for the first time at a grand slam. Once again, the aim is to improve players’ performance.
Amelie Mauresmo
Monitoring health and recovery metrics
Devices such as the Whoop band track an extensive array of physical metrics including heart rate variability, blood oxygenation, and sleep performance.
Sabalenka recently explained in a promotional video that her personal monitor successfully tracks her stress levels between demanding fixtures.
The Belarusian star revealed that this biometric feedback explicitly advises her to take mandatory rest days whenever her body enters a critical red zone.
With tennis seasons becoming increasingly congested and physical expectations at an all-time high, access to precise recovery analytics could provide a vital competitive edge in gruelling five-set encounters.
Professional golf has already demonstrated the broadcast value of such technology, with dramatic heart rate spikes regularly shared during major championship victories to highlight immense pressure.
Tennis fans may soon experience a similar level of unprecedented physiological insight during championship points on the famous clay courts of Paris.
