Court in the crossfire: Tennis legends reprimanded for protest stunt
Despite the Australian Open’s best wishes to handle the grand slam anniversary of Margaret Court with care, two tennis legends Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe had other plans for the day.
The pair unveiled a banner calling for the Margaret Court Arena to be renamed in Evonne Goolagong’s honour, which was a reference to the Aussie champion Indigenous player.
Margaret Court has been widely criticised for her opposition to same-sex marriage as well as her views on transgender people.
Therefore, Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe took matters into their own hands and paraded a banner painted in Aboriginal style, calling for the arena to be renamed.
Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe have been parading a banner asking for the Margaret Court Arena to be renamed.
Tennis Australia are not pleased 👀...
Full: https://t.co/qUJBFVZ57m#bbctennis #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/JpU4wi27Jw— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 28, 2020
Navratilova told BBC Sport that she “wanted to push the conversation forward”.
"I thought we got it going a couple of years ago," she said.
"I thought Tennis Australia would do something - or the government of Victoria, as apparently they are the ones that make the decision - but nothing has happened. And Margaret keeps doubling down in basically attacking the gay and lesbian community.
"My wife Julia said you're complaining about it, but what are you going to do?
It was after this conversation with her wife that Navratilova decided to make the sign.
"John, I ran into him, and on the spur of the moment I asked him because he also talked about renaming the arena. He's been very supportive of social change in tennis, so it was perfect.
"I wanted to be respectful, but most of all I just wanted to push the conversation forward again. I have no doubt it's the right thing to do."
Tennis Australia has since slammed the pair for showing the banner on court.
"We embrace diversity, inclusion and the right for people to have a view, as well as their right to voice that view," the statement from Tennis Australia read.
"But the Australian Open has regulations and protocols with respect to how any fan, player or guest can use our facility, the event and the global stage it provides. This is to ensure the integrity of our event.
"Two high-profile guests have breached these protocols and we are working through this with them."