Aryna Sabalenka has continued her dominance at the Australian Open this year after beating Iva Jovic.
Sabalenka is the favorite to win the Australian Open title this year, with the two-time former champion yet to drop a set en route to the semifinals.
This has included facing two teenagers for the first time in her last couple of matches, with Sabalenka beating Victoria Mboko and Jovic.
Although Sabalenka has been very convincing in terms of her results, she has admitted to being left confused by a rule she discovered at the Australian Open this year.
Aryna Sabalenka admits confusion over banned item at the Australian Open
Sabalenka beat Jovic, 6-3 6-0, on Rod Laver Arena to reach the Australian Open semifinals for the fourth time, and after she spoke in her post-match press conference.
Earlier on in the tournament. Sabalenka was asked to remove a wearable tracking device on her wrist, as they are banned at Grand Slams.
These wearable technology devices have been allowed on the WTA Tour since 2021, but they are not allowed at the four major tournaments.
When questioned on her views on this ruling, Sabalenka admitted that it left her confused and called for the Grand Slams to reconsider this decision.
“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,” said Sabalenka. “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.”
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What did Jannik Sinner say about being asked to remove banned item?
It is not just Sabalenka who has been in this situation, with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner also asked to remove the banned item.
This happened in Sinner’s fourth round match against Luciano Darderi, and he explained in his press conference after the match what he uses it for, before explaining that he does not like to use other tracking devices that are enabled.
“Yeah, there is certain data what we would like to track a little bit on court,” said Sinner. “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.”
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While they are not permitted for use at Grand Slams, the wearable tech Sinner was banned from using has been allowed on the ATP Tour since 2024.
Sinner will know that he can not wear it on his wrist for his quarterfinal match, where he will take on American Ben Shelton.
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