Australian Open 2020: Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe involved in on-court protest against Margaret Court

Nathan Williamson

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Australian Open 2020: Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe involved in on-court protest against Margaret Court image

Tennis legends Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe have been involved in an on-court protest against Margaret Court.

On Monday night, Tennis Australia recognised Court's achievements on the tennis court with a ceremony on Rod Laver Arena. 

The ceremony was accompanied by a short tribute video which drew criticism from around the world. 

The Czech legend has been one of her most outspoken critics, using her appearance at the tournament to make a statement about her legacy and comments.

Navratilova was participating in the women's legends doubles with Daniela Hantuchova, with the pair defeating Nicole Bradtke and Mary Joe Fernandez 4-1 4-2.

However, it would ramp up after the match, with Navratilova joined on court by McEnroe, who unveiled a sign bearing the words “Evonne Goolagong Arena”.

The 18-time grand slam champion would also attempt to address the crowd using the umpire's microphone, with the feed showing the match cut off as she began her address.

Tennis Australia released a statement on Tuesday evening condemming their actions and their breach of protocol.

“We embrace diversity, inclusion and the right for people to have a view, as well as their right to voice that view,” the statement 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.”

The protest has come as part of the pair's attempts to have Margeret Court Arena renamed due to the legend's controversial social and political views.

“When airports, buildings, streets or stadiums are named after particular people, it is done, or at least should be done, to honour exceptional human beings — our heroes,” she wrote in an open letter.

“Think Muhammad Ali, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Billie-Jean King, Rod Laver, Rosa Parks. 

"But Margaret Court does not belong in that company or category,

"When Margaret goes out of her way to single out a group of people and tell them they don’t deserve equal rights, that they are less than good parents, that they are not godly, that’s not merely free speech. It’s hateful and hurtful speech and it’s injurious to countless vulnerable people."

McEnroe echoed these thoughts, hitting out at the 77-year-old's comments and calling on Serena Williams to pass her record in order to "leave Court and her offensive views in the past, where they both belong."

 

Nathan Williamson