24-time Ladies Singles grand slam champion Margaret Court has controversially asserted that “tennis is full of lesbians”
The Australian, whose last singles grand slam titles came in 1973 has long been an outspoken critic against gay marriage. Since retiring Court has become a Christian minister, and also founded Margaret Court Ministries.
“When I was playing there was only a couple [of lesbians],”but those couple that led took young ones into parties and things. What you get at the top is often what you’ll get right through that sport. We’re there to help them overcome. We’re not against the people.”
Court’s comments are just the latest in a number of high profile incidents involving Court and LGBT rights. She said in 2003 that she would refuse to fly on Australia’s national carrier Quantas as a result of its stance on LGBT issues.
Players on both the WTA and ATP tours have commented on the issues. Casey Dellacqua tweeted “enough is enough“, and former US Open champion Sam Stosur has claimed that some players would boycott playing on the Margaret Court Arena at the Australian Open in protest. The Margaret Court arena is the second show court at the Australian Open, behind the Rod Laver Arena.
Former stars including Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King have also called for the court to be renamed in the wake of Court’s comments.
Current ATP No.1, whose former coach Amelie Mauresmo came out as gay at the 1999 Australian Open, suggested that any changes had plenty of time to be made appropriately before the next Australian Open tournament is due to begin next January.
Murray: “If the players come to an agreement – if they think the name should be changed or whatever – that should be decided before the event starts.“
