US Open organisers have expressed regret at the warning given to Alize Cornet for changing her top on court at Flushing Meadows on Tuesday.
The Frenchwoman returned from the 10-minute heat break between the second and third sets during her first-round clash with Johanna Larsson of Sweden and realised she had her top on back to front.
Cornet quickly switched the top around standing behind the baseline and was astonished to be given a code violation by the umpire.
The decision caused a stir on social media, with criticism from the likes of Judy Murray and Billie Jean King, and tournament organisers have now said Cornet should not have received a warning and will not face a fine.
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
— GamingWelchman ETS (@GamingWelchman) August 29, 2018
A statement read: "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."
