A code violation handed to French tennis player Alize Cornet for taking off her shirt on court at the US Open has sparked outrage, with claims it is sexist.

The controversial call was met with a chorus of criticism, including retired Australian star Casey Dellacqua who tweeted it was “ridiculous”.

An extreme heat policy offering female players a 10-minute break before the deciding third sets can be played, was implemented on medical advice at the New York tournament after temperatures reached up to 38 degrees on Wednesday (Australian time).

Returning to court following the break in her match against Swede Johanna Larsson, Cornet realised her shirt was on back to front and quickly turned it around.

The switch took a matter of seconds and Cornet was wearing a sports bra underneath.

But the world No.31 was immediately hit with a code violation by the chair umpire for her actions.

The call has ignited fierce responses on social media, with many blasting the decision as sexist.

Tennis coach Judy Murray, mother of former world No.1 Andy Murray, took to Twitter to question the decision, pointing out men were allowed to change their shirts on 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,” she tweeted.

Busted for code violation 🙄 #alizecornet took 10 sec to turn top right way but #novacdjokovic can sit for minutes half-naked. Same comp. Days after @serenawilliams slammed for disrespecting tennis because she wore a #catsuit. Not fair. Not right. Tell your daughters 🙌 pic.twitter.com/pJILnwvUvG

— Alissa Warren (@alissawarren) August 29, 2018

American Bethanie Mattek-Sands also tweeted “that’s weak” after the call.

Cornet went down to world No.81 Larsson 4-6 6-3 6-2 in a match lasting two hours and 24 minutes.