French tennis star Alize Cornet controversially hit with code of violation for changing her shirt around in US Open

A French tennis star was hit with a bizarre code of violation after she briefly took her shirt off during the sweltering hot US Open.

Alize Cornet returned to the court after a 10-minute 'heat break' when she realised she had changed into her fresh shirt back to front.

Cornet quickly turned to the back of the court to switch it around when she was slammed for unsportsmanlike conduct by chair umpire Christian Rask.

Shocked and confused, the six-time WTA Tour champion questioned the umpire's call which was met with a 'tough luck' attitude due to the WTA rulebook stating that players can only change clothes during the end of a set or medical timeout in an off-court location.

Fans on social media have since expressed their disgust with the controversial call, pointing out that male tennis players can change as often as they want without leaving the 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," one fan wrote.

"Oh please, that is ridiculous. @alizecornet was just being practical and I am sure no one complained," another wrote.

Although the unexpected call didn't cost Cornet any points, she eventually went on to lose the match 6-4, 3-6, 2-6 to Johanna Larsson of Sweden.