JANNIK SINNER was ordered to take off a banned device ahead of his Australian Open fourth round clash.
The Italian, 24, took on compatriot Luciano Darderi for a place in the last eight in Melbourne.
As he walked out onto Margaret Court Arena for the contest, Sinner appeared to be wearing a Whoop fitness tracker.
The gizmo measures stars’ fitness data – including key stats like heart rate and stress levels.
Whoop’s technology has been approved by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) – as well as both ATP and WTA tours.
But the tech is not allowed at Grand Slams – with eagle-eyed umpire Greg Allensworth noticing the device on Sinner’s wrist ahead of the match and ordering him to remove it.
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The two-time defending champion did so without complaint – although Whoop chiefs were not happy with the decision.
A spokesperson for the company said: “WHOOP believes athletes have a fundamental right to understand their own performance and health – including during competition at events like the Australian Open.
“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.”
After the match, Sinner said: ““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 datas 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.”
Sinner is not the only star to have been caught out with a similar device at this tournament.
Carlos Alcaraz was ordered to take one off, having tried to wear it beneath his wrist band.
While Aryna Sabalenka ran into a similar issue.
‘DATA IS NOT STEROIDS!’
Whoop CEO Will Ahmed wrote on X: “Ridiculous. 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!”
Sinner’s fitness has come under the spotlight at this year’s tournament Down Under.
The world No2 was in all sorts of physical trouble during his round three clash with Eliot Spizzirri.
With the contest level at one-set all, Sinner began cramping badly in the sweltering 40 degree heat.
The four-time Major champion was in a dire predicament… only to be saved by the tournament’s heat rule.
With both players ordered off for the Rod Laver Arena roof to close, Sinner was able to shake off his cramp and win the match.
After the contest, Sinner admitted that he’d been lucky.
Having comfortably defeated Darderi, who himself had suffered badly with cramp after his previous round win, next up Sinner will face either Ben Shelton or Casper Ruud.
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