Female tennis stars asked to cover up for Australian Open

Australian News.Net
Monday 12th January, 2009 (ANI)

Melbourne, Jan 12 : Female tennis stars participating in the Australian Open have been asked to give up skimpy outfits, and cover up at the Melbourne event.

The move came after French player Alize Cornet caused a stir in the Hopman Cup last week with a revealing, see-through top during a doubles match, reports The Sunday Herald Sun.

The Australian Open officials have threatened to impose a fine up to 2000 dollars for any player who broke strict dress code.

They would review the Cornet's outfits ahead of the tournament from January 19 to February 1.

Ex-tennis star Margaret Court also condemned Cornet's attire, insisting it pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable.

She said that the skimpy outfits of female tennis players made them "look like they should be on the beach".

"I just don't think the tennis court is the place to be everything clingy and showing everything," the Daily Telegraph quoted Court as saying.

"You're good at something, you do it well, you can look so nice without needing to reveal everything.

"If they think everybody's looking at their body and they've got see-through and no bra (outfits), it would have to affect your game," she added.

Australian Open referee Wayne McKewen said that the player's outfits would be scrutinised in Melbourne.

"They should be dressed in what we say is tennis attire. The girls do know that they have to present themselves in a professional manner," he added.

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