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WHOOP can stay in the game. On Thursday, the French Open announced that players can continue to compete with wearables on a “trial basis.”
The new ruling follows recent controversy in which the Australian Open mandated players to take off any wearables due to conflict between the International Tennis Federation’s approvals and Grand Slam tournament rules regarding on-court wearable technology. The French Open is letting players keep WHOOP on, looking to not repeat the recent outcry.
“We want to provide the players with the best possible experience, and we listen to their requests,” said French Open tournament director Amélie Mauresmo at a press conference Thursday. “Once again, the aim is to improve players’ performance.”
Wimbledon and the US Open confirmed to Front Office Sports that the trial will continue in their respective tournaments. WHOOP told Inc. in a statement that the decision to keep wearables on was “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,” the company said.
Wearables on the Court
At the 2026 Australian Open, major players like Aryna Sabalenka, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner were told to take off their Whoop bands ahead of their matches. Sabalenka, who has an endorsement deal with the company, criticized the decision during the Australian Open. Sinner, who was offered the permittable alternative, a wearable vest, stated it was “uncomfortable.”
Whoop, a subscription brand that specializes in wearable devices, can track personal fitness and recovery data like heart rate and sleep. The company’s devices are ITF-approved, with some players relying on them to understand their health.
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