French tennis player Alize Cornet has been sanctioned for taking off her top during a match at the US Open, sparking criticism from fellow athletes and fans.
Due to the extreme heat at the tournament in New York – with temperatures reaching 38 degrees - female players were given a ten-minute break during the second set on Tuesday. Male players had a break at the end of the third set if the match was to continue.
After Cornet took the heat break during her match against Swedish player Johanna Larsson, she realised her t-shirt was back-to-front and went to the back of the court to adjust it.
It took a few seconds to fix and she was wearing a sports bra underneath but the chair umpire penalised her with a code violation for apparent "unsportsmanlike conduct".
Players must respect strict rules of conduct set by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) while on court.
Members of the tennis community criticised the decision on social media.
Judy Murray, mother of British tennis player Andy Murray and former Great Britain Fed Cup captain suggested the sanction was sexist. “The men can change shirts on court,” she tweeted.
Male players are often seen swapping their shirts when taking a seat at the change of ends, with the umpire's permission.
Former Australian tennis player Casey Dellacqua, who announced her retirement in April, said the decision was “ridiculous”. Fans of the sport also came to the defence of Cornet, who is the world No.31.
This year is the first time the tournament has allowed the men’s matches to benefit from an extreme heat break, which will be reviewed on a day-to-day basis. The WTA, which oversees the women’s game, has allowed players to take a break in such conditions since 1992.
“It’s a nightmare”, Cornet said during the third set when she called a doctor, “it is so hot, I’m feeling dizzy”.
The WTA has not commented on Cornet’s code violation.
She lost the match to world No.81 Larsson 6-4, 3-6, 2-6.
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