Margaret Court's 50th Anniversary: Honored - but not celebrated
Australia's tennis legend Margaret Court is celebrating an anniversary in 2020 - but the ceremonies will not be truly solemn.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Mar 02, 2020, 05:25 pm
1970 was a sensational year for the Australian, because she was the second player ever to win the Grand Slam, ie to win all four Grand Slam tournaments within one year. Previously, only Maureen Connolly had done that in 1953 (and then Steffi Graf in 1988).
Actually clear that Court should be celebrated for the 50th anniversary at the upcoming Australian Open. If there were not their personal views ... Court has repeatedly made homophobic statements in recent years, since then is sometimes required to rename the Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne .
Accordingly, the Australian Tennis Association expressed restrained, as far as court honors. While they praised their sporting achievements in an official statement - Court won 24 Grand Slam titles in singles and 64 (!) In total - it was clearly stated that their other views were not endorsed. "As often stated, Tennis Australia does not agree with Margaret’s personal views, which have demeaned and hurt many in our community over a number of years. They do not align with our values of equality, diversity and inclusion. Our sport welcomes everyone, no matter what gender, ability, race, religion or sexuality, and we will continue to actively promote inclusion initiatives widely at all levels of the sport." For this purpose, the initiative # Open4All was launched in 2017 as well.
Open letter from Tennis Australia
In an open letter , they also pointed out that making a difference in recognising a champion or celebrating a hero makes a difference. Court records can be recognized. "The tennis court and club should be a place of fun and comfort toeveryone, where people from all walks of life get to know each other without fear of judgement or harassment," it says among other things.
