Aryna Sabalenka’s strong form at this year’s Australian Open continued with a straightforward win over Iva Jovic.
With two titles already under her belt, Sabalenka has not dropped a set on her way to the semi-finals and remains the favourite to lift the trophy again.
She faced two teenagers in back-to-back matches for the first time, seeing off Victoria Mboko before getting past Jovic without much trouble.
Despite her smooth run, Sabalenka did admit that she came across a rule at this tournament that left her puzzled.
Aryna Sabalenka puzzled by wearable tech ban at Australian Open
Sabalenka, who reached the semi-finals with a 6-3, 6-0 win over Jovic on Rod Laver Arena, spoke to reporters after the match.
Earlier in the tournament, she had been told to remove a wearable tracking device from her wrist because such devices are banned at Grand Slam events.
While these devices have been permitted on the WTA Tour since 2021, they remain prohibited at tennis’ four major tournaments.
Sabalenka admitted that the ruling left her confused and called for the Grand Slams to reconsider the decision when questioned about her views.
“The reason why I was wearing that on court, because we received the email that we got approval from the ITF to wear this device. I didn’t know that Grand Slams didn’t come to conclusion.
“I don’t understand why, because the whole year we are wearing, on WTA tournaments, all the tournaments I play we wear WHOOP. It’s just for tracking my health. I don’t understand why Grand Slams are not allowed us to wear it, and I really hope that they will reconsider the decision and let their players track their health monitor,” the Belarusian star said.
Jannik Sinner comments on removal of banned wrist device
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz also ran into the same issue, both being told to take off the device during their matches.
Sinner was asked to remove his during his fourth-round match against Luciano Darderi. After the match, the Italian talent spoke about why he uses it and mentioned that he is not a fan of some of the alternative tracking devices that are allowed.
“Yeah, there is certain data what we would like to track a little bit on court. It’s not for the live thing. It’s more about you can see after the match.
“These are data’s 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.
“Yeah, I mean, the umpire asked me straightaway if this is the tracker. I said yes. He said remove. It’s fine. There are other things we could use. It’s the vest. But it’s a bit for me uncomfortable. You feel like you have something on the shoulders. It’s a bit different. But rules are rules. I understand. I won’t use it again,” he explained.
The device Sinner was wearing has been approved for use on the ATP Tour since 2024, but remains banned at Grand Slams.
So, he will have to leave it off again in his quarter-final clash against Ben Shelton.
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