SYDNEY (AUSTRALIA) – The Australian Open should think of removing the name of Margaret Court from the arena at Melbourne Park, said Andy Murray. He said the multiple Grand Slam champion’s values are at odds with those tennis stands for.
Court, 78, has the all-time record of 24 major singles titles and has come under fire for voicing her religion-based opposition to same-sex couples and transgender athletes.
“When you get to the Australian Open you want to concentrate on the tennis. Court’.
“As far as renaming the venue … yes, it’s something the sport should consider. I don’t know who makes the final decision on that but I don’t think her values are what tennis stands for.”
Though Tennis Australia disagrees with Court’s personal views, it invited her to Melbourne Park for this year’s tournament to mark her the 50th anniversary of her 1970 calendar Grand Slam.
At Rod Laver Arena before a quarter-final match, she was presented with the replica trophy by 11-times Grand Slam champion Rod Laver after the screening of a video of her feats.
“She has obviously offended and upset a lot of people over the years,” Murray said. “I think the players certainly have spoken up, which is a positive thing.”