Tennis Australia is copping a backlash on Twitter after publishing a tribute video recognising the 50th anniversary of Margaret Court's Grand Slam.
On this day 50 years ago, Court won the Australian Open. She went on to win all four majors that year, with TA honouring that achievement in the video posted to their social media channels.
There will also be a "special ceremony" ahead of the night session matches on Rod Laver Arena.
The tribute video and ceremony come on the same day seven time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe criticised Court's long history of controversial statements and sermons.
MORE: Live results and highlights from the Australian Open
"There's only one thing longer than the list of Margaret Court's tennis achievement: it's her list of offensive and homophobic statements," McEnroe said.
"Just a few examples. During the apartheid regime in South Africa, she said: 'I love South Africa. They have the racial situation better organised than anyone else.'
"What??
"About transgender children and LGBTIQ: 'It's all the work of the devil. Tennis is full of lesbians. It is sad for children to be exposed to homosexuality.'
"Margaret Court is actually a ventriloquist using the Bible as a dummy to say whatever she wants."
Judging by the reaction to the video the Australian Open's official Twitter account posted on Monday, McEnroe's views are shared by the broader tennis community around the globe.
TA reportedly came under considerable pressure to honour Court in some way, but have attempted to distinguish between her on-court feats and her personal beliefs.
It hasn't been well received on Twitter this afternoon.
New York Times tennis writer, Ben Rothenberg, was one of many to question the wisdom of publishing the video.
Doing the ceremony tonight, doing this video and putting BJK in it (after BJK spoke out and called for Margaret's name to be stripped from the arena), is a lot of choices made by Tennis Australia to venerate Court.
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 27, 2020
And why, because they felt held hostage by a round number? https://t.co/3TNzxS4Zqj
Here's the tweet and the video. Stick around for the replies...
On January 27 1970, Margaret Court won the Australian Open and embarked on a campaign that saw her achieve a calendar Grand Slam. Watch her story in ‘Margaret Court: 50 years of Grand Slam history. pic.twitter.com/f11gDAwX4o
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2020
— JUSTIN FREDERIC (@justinfrederic) January 27, 2020
— JJC (@jaymez428) January 27, 2020
Nope.
— Roberta (@Rob_cacci) January 27, 2020
— Vishnu 💯+🏆🏆🏆 (@Rfighterer) January 27, 2020
— Landon Wallace (@landonwallace) January 27, 2020
hard pass. pic.twitter.com/lSqDZ8vxFA
— jen✊️ (@libertysees) January 27, 2020
— Brandon Cline (@_BrandonCline) January 27, 2020
— Miss Bryony (@DeathByTennis) January 27, 2020
— Aurora #19!!! 🏆 (@scorpio1641) January 27, 2020
