'Been caught sleeping': John Millman takes aim at governing body over 'ridiculous' Whoop ban
Updated . First published
Former Aussie tennis professional John Millman has slammed the "ridiculous" bans on Whoop devices, which has caused quite a stir at the Australian Open.
The saga started on Sunday when world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz was told by an umpire he was not allowed to wear the data-collecting device on his wrist during play.
Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner have also been instructed to remove the devices while playing, despite the Whoop brand revealing they had been approved to wear.
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The devices have been approved for use by both the WTA and ATP, but the International Tennis Federation Federation - who govern grand slam events - have banned them.
Carlos Alcaraz was asked by an umpire to take off his Whoop bracelet. Stan
A secondary approval is required for the device to be used at major events.
Given they are allowed to be worn in other tournaments, the likes of Todd Woodbridge and Lleyton Hewitt have called for the ITF to follow suit for the four majors.
Speaking on Nine's coverage on Tuesday morning, retired Aussie star Millman took aim at the ITF for "sleeping" on the issue and backed a change to the rules.
"I think it's ridiculous," he said.
"The ITF have been caught sleeping, on their back foot.
"They haven't got up to date with it at all. It's ATP and WTA approved as long as the haptic feedback - the vibrations - is turned off. The ITF have been falling asleep."
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Health data has been an instrumental component in player development across all sports in recent years, tracking physical exertion, recovery and performance.
Those factors are all used in analysis sessions by those on the professional circuit.
While he explained the importance of Whoop or similar devices, back-to-back defending champion Sinner wasn't in the mood to argue with the decision.
"There is certain data that we would like to track a little bit on court. It's not for the live thing," Sinner explained when asked his thoughts on the ban.
"It's more about what you can see after the match.
Jannik Sinner plays a backhand. Getty
"It is data we would like to use also in practice sessions because from that you can practice with, like the heart rate, how many calories you burn, all those kind of things.
"I mean, the umpire asked me straight away if this (band) was the tracker. I said yes and he said remove it. It's fine. There are other things we could use like a vest, but that is a bit uncomfortable for me. You feel like you have something on the shoulders.
"The rules are rules, I understand. I won't use it again."
Sinner will return, without his Whoop band on his wrist, in the quarter finals against American star Ben Shelton on Wednesday.
