August 29, 2018

WTA Statement on Change of Attire Code Violation

The code violation that USTA handed to Alize Cornet during her first round match at the US Open was unfair and it was not based on a WTA rule, as the WTA has no rule against a change of attire on court. The WTA has always been and always will be a pioneer for women and women’s sports. This code violation came under the Grand Slam rules and we are pleased to see the USTA has now changed this policy. Alize did nothing wrong.

The USTA also put out a release prior to the WTA in regard to changing clothes on the court:

US Open Statement on Change of Attire Policy

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.

In addition the US Open released a and extreme heat policy:

US Open Statement on Extreme Heat — August 29, 2018

The Extreme Heat policy is in effect for women’s and men’s singles matches until further notice.

For all women’s singles matches, a 10-minute break will be allowed between the second and third sets if either player requests such a break. If both players decline a 10-minute break, then play shall be continuous. Appropriate medical timeouts for heat-related illness are allowed.

For all men’s singles matches, a 10-minute break will be allowed between the third and fourth sets if either player requests such a break. If both players decline a 10-minute break, then play shall be continuous. Appropriate medical timeouts for heat-related illness are allowed.