The United States is a country where gender equality is especially zealous. But until recently, the US Open had a discriminatory rule that was unwittingly canceled by the French tennis player Alize Cornet, who undressed right during the match in front of a huge crowd of spectators.

Forbidden dressing

In 2018, the career of the French tennis player Alize Cornet was in decline. It’s been nine years since she reached a peak of 11th in the WTA rankings. But still, the athlete did not slide too low, keeping a certain level. She came to the US Open in the best shape. Alize rose to 31st place, although she did not get into the number of seeded.

Cornet’s opponent in the first round was Johanna Larsson. The Swedish tennis player has never made it past the third round at a Grand Slam tournament in her entire career. It was a good draw for the Frenchwoman.

The first set was left for Alize, although she started with a lost serve. But in the next game, the tennis player made a reverse break. The opponents took the last three points on someone else’s serve. Cornet turned out to be more successful in this attraction of generosity – 6:4. But the second party of the Frenchwoman did not work out at all. She took only one game on her serve, losing 3:6.

After that, the rivals went to the under-tribune room for a break to catch their breath: it was a hot August day in the USA. During the pause, Cornet took off her T-shirt. When it was time to return, the tennis player put it inside out. Alize noticed the misunderstanding only when she entered the court.

The Frenchwoman decided to quickly correct the mistake right during the match. She took off her T-shirt and was left in only a sports bra. When the tennis player changed clothes, the referee immediately gave her a warning. As it turned out, the rules of the US Open forbade the girls to take off their T-shirts during the match. The Frenchwoman after that was at a loss.

Photo: © Michael Dodge / Stringer / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

– Of course, I was surprised, because I changed my shirt very quickly, and the judge informed me about the violation of the Code. I didn’t expect this and told him that it was rather strange, ”Cornet said at a press conference.

Cornet argued with the referee for a short time, but nevertheless resigned herself to the warning and continued the match.

“We regret”

The next day, a scandal erupted in the tennis world. The organizers of the US Open began to be accused of double standards and sexism. The thing is that men do not have such a ban. For Americans who zealously fight for equal rights, this incident was like a red rag to a bull.

Responsible persons urgently had to apologize to the French tennis player. They also allowed girls to change shirts while sitting in a gaming chair, or in a secluded room, if there is one near the court.

“We regret that Madame Cornet was charged yesterday with violating the Code. Fortunately, she was issued only a warning without any further punishments and fines, the US Open press release said.

Photo: © Benjamin Solomon / Contributor / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

The uproar in the press came as a complete surprise to Cornet.

“I think it’s very fair of them to apologize to me. When I woke up this morning, I could not even imagine that this violation of the Code would become so famous in less than a day. I’m very surprised, honestly. Because on the court it was more like a referee’s mistake, – said Alize.

In the decisive game of that match, luck was not on Cornet’s side. She lost by taking only two games. This led to a relegation already in the first round of the US Open.