Alize Cornet Penalized For Briefly Taking Off Shirt on Court Due to Heat At U.S. Open

Alize Cornet was hit with a controversial code violation for briefly taking off her shirt after realizing she had it on backwards.

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Alize Cornet was assessed a code violation for briefly taking off her shirt at the U.S. Open after realizing it was on backwards.

It was so hot at the Open on Tuesday (temperatures were in the mid-90's, with heat indexes surpassing 100) that an Extreme Heat rule was put into effect for both men and women. Women were permitted a 10-minute break between the second and third sets, while men could take the same break between the third and fourth sets. 

After splititng the first two sets with Johanna Larsson in a first-round match, Cornet took her break before returning to the court for tthe decisive third set. She realized that her shirt was on backwards, then took it off with the sole intention of fixing her mistake. 

Female player punished for taking her top off during US Open, sparking sexism row pic.twitter.com/7sGCDbDlLx

— The Independent (@Independent) August 29, 2018

A male umpire then assessed Cornet with the code violation. She was warned and not penalized a point, but the decision was widely criticized, sparking claims of sexism. It is not uncommon for men to remove their shirts on-court. 

Alize Cornet came back to court after 10 minute heat break. Had her fresh shirt on back to front. Changed at back of court. Got a code violation. Unsportsmanlike conduct..... 😳
But the men can change shirts on court. https://t.co/sCN4KDXYTb

— judy murray (@JudyMurray) August 28, 2018

US Tennis Open Alizé Cornet take top off because it was back to front and she’s been penalised for breaking the rules. And yet Novak Djokovic can change his top and nothing is said. Sexism in Tennis it’s the 21st Century FFS. pic.twitter.com/iwVXHh779u

— 𝙄𝙊𝘼𝙉, (@GamingWelchman) August 29, 2018

Cornet would go on to lose the match.

The controversy comes shortly after the French Open announced a controversial new attire policy that specifically banned the catsuit Serena Williams wore at this year's tournament in Paris. 

The French Open's Banning of Serena Williams's Catsuit Defies Explanation

The U.S. Open released a statement in response:

"All players can change their shirts when sitting in the player chair. This is not considered a Code Violation.

We regret that a Code Violation was assessed to Ms. Cornet yesterday. We have clarified the policy to ensure this will not happen moving forward. Fortunately, she was only assessed a warning with no further penalty or fine. 

Female players, if they choose, may also change their shirts in a more private location close to the court, when available. They will not be assessed a bathroom break in this circumstance."

The WTA issued its own statement, calling the code violation "unfair" and suggesting that "Alize did nothing wrong."