A strange sequence of events at the U.S. Open sparked a discussion of sexist double standards between men and women, after French tennis player Alizé Cornet came out from a heat break with a new shirt on backwards.
As she went to change her shirt so that it was on properly — briefly revealing her sports bra — Cornet was assessed a code violation by the official.
According to the rulebook, women are expected to call for a ‘change of attire’ break when so required, and leave the court to change.
Criticisms of the decision to assess Cornet a violation have taken root in the lack of any such rule for men — players in men’s events have been able to remove their shirt on the court, leading to confusion and frustration over rules that penalize players in women’s events even when wearing a sports bra.
This isn’t the only controversy to rock women’s tennis this week, as the French Open’s decision to ban Serena Williams’ catsuit has generated many responses, including a statement from Nike defending Williams.
