Share

Cornet in Roland Garros cheating storm

Paris - Frenchwoman Alize Cornet was at the centre of a Roland Garros cheating storm Friday after she was accused of faking injury by an opponent.

Cornet called for a medical timeout and required treatment during changeovers in the final set of her second round clash against Germany's Tatjana Maria.

At one stage, the 26-year-old Cornet, grimacing in pain, was helped off court to her chair by a trainer and tournament supervisor.

She was seen to weep as she received treatment.

But Maria believed that Cornet was deliberately playing for time in order to allow her cramping to ease.

At the end, Maria, 28, angrily admonished Cornet, furiously pointing her finger at the French player who won the match 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-4.

"You know why I'm mad at you. You know what you did," raged the German on a chaotic Court Two.

Maria later vented her fury on Twitter.

"I am really sad and i know that it will not change the result! But this story is not done! Rules are here for something right?" she wrote.

Pundits and players also laid into Cornet.

"@alizecornet needs to be in LA at a casting call....ok peeps, lets have a poll. Who is more a drama queen between #Bartoli and #Cornet?" wrote former tour player Rennae Stubbs, now a respected TV commentator.

Dutch player Richel Hogenkamp tweeted: "Every changeover cramp treatments and an Oscar nomination... Oh and into the next round, I would say good day at the office - #cornet #BOO."

German language Tennis Magazine on their social media account dubbed the clash "Crampgate in Paris."

Cornet insisted she was not a cheat, that she played by the rules and was mystified by Maria's frustrations.

"I didn't understand so much why she was so mad at me. She even told me when we shake hands that she thought I was not fair play," said Cornet.

The world number 50, who goes on to face American veteran Venus Williams for a place in the last-16, said she had cramped in the right leg.

However, the help she sought from the trainer was for a pain in the left leg as treatment for cramping is banned.

"Well, I didn't choose to cramp at the end of the second set, and I didn't choose to have this pain in my leg, and I needed a treatment for that.

"I didn't take a treatment for my cramp because I know the rule, and I respect it.

"My right leg was totally pulling apart and not treating, but I had the treatment for my hip because I felt a pain.

"I'm really sorry she got so pissed because this is useless."

Adding intrigue to the controversy is that Cornet and Maria will come face to face again later Friday in the women's doubles.

Cornet will team with Poland's Magda Linette while Maria plays alongside Madison Brengle of the United States.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1271 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1469 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE