WHOOP and WTA Tour agree to multi-year partnership

Serious athletes know all about WHOOP. The fitness wearable is designed to monitor physiological markers throughout the day and their impact on the body’s readiness to perform. The lightweight, waterproof strap is worn 24/7 just below the bone on the wrist, and tracks all the stresses in your life, whether it be a tough three-setter or a tense day at the office.

The trove of data, such as heart rate variability—time between each heartbeat—resting heart rate and sleep quality, is graded to assess your level of recovery. All the information is analyzed and relayed through an accompanying smartphone app and website, with a virtual coach offering feedback on your readiness to perform. Which is why WHOOP has become a staple among professional athletes, sports enthusiasts and achievers of all stripes.

Now the human performance company is going to apply all that know-how to the WTA Tour. WHOOP and the WTA have agreed on a multi-year partnership making it the official fitness wearable of the Tour. Additionally, the WTA has approved in-match use of WHOOP, making it the first technology to receive the designation.

Followers of other professional sports—namely golf and NASCAR—may have already seen WHOOP’s real-time data integrated into broadcasts. At the most recent Ryder Cup in September, the heartrate of players with the wearable flashed at the corner of the screen as they teed-off on certain holes. This, and other measurables, will give a new element to the tennis fan viewing experience.

But more than just bringing biometric data to televised match coverage and social media, the wearable will provide valuable player and performance analytics. WHOOP and the WTA’s Performance Health Team will collaborate on the research to analyze the impact stressors such as global travel and frequent, high-intensity training has on women’s health. Numerous WTA players already use WHOOP, including Sloane Stephens.

“I’ve worn WHOOP throughout the 2021 season and it’s given me more knowledge than I’ve ever had in my career about what’s happening with my body,” said Stephens. “The WTA’s partnership with WHOOP goes beyond just tennis and has the potential to change the way players approach personal health. We’ve never had access to technology like WHOOP during matches—it’s definitely a game changer.”

WHOOP has just released its all-new 4.0 strap. It’s the smallest and most accurate model to date, with new feedback including skin temperature and blood oxygen. All WTA players will have access to the tracker as inventory allows, as will anyone interested in making recovery more of a priority in their training. The hardware is free and memberships start at $30/month with a six-month commitment. For more information, go to whoop.com.