Margaret Court’s family issues emotional response to Tennis Australia letter

The family of controversial Aussie tennis legend Margaret Court has written a public letter to respond to Tennis Australia’s extraordinary swipe.

The children of Margaret Court have released an open letter in response to Tennis Australia’s extraordinary public swipe at the controversial Aussie tennis legend.

Court this week accepted Tennis Australia’s invitation to the Australian Open to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her 1970 grand slam sweep.

But the offer coincided with a scathing open letter to Tennis Australia stakeholders where the organisation scolded Court for her controversial views on marriage equality.

Tennis Australia distanced itself from the 77-year-old and her views on gay marriage in the letter.

Court, a devout Christian, has caused controversy in the past for saying she does not believe gay people should be allowed to get married because the bible says that should only occur between a man and a woman.

Tennis Australia’s statement said Court had caused hurt to the Australian community with her outspoken comments.

In response, Court’s four children Daniel, Marika, Teresa and Lisa released an open letter of their own where they say the family is “disappointed” with Tennis Australia’s public denigration.

Margaret Court has won of Australia’s greatest stadiums named after her.

“How blessed we are to have the greatest Mum, Margaret Court,” the open letter reads.

“Mum is known world-wide for her tennis achievements for 64 grand slams, greater than any man or woman. She heads a Church of thousands and helps many with food handouts daily.

Mum is in continual demand to help and counsel others and is always ready to help people in need. She is a mother of 4 children and grandmother to 9 grandchildren – who are all her number 1 fans. Mum and Dad have been married for 53 years and are proud of us all and we are certainly proud of them.

“Mum’s Tennis achievements pale in light of her current life as a mother, wife, Pastor and mentor to many. As mum is a minister of religion it is her job to stand for Biblical principles. Mum has always been very Bible based in her Christian beliefs and that is the reason why we have such a strong loving family.

“It is hard for her family to understand how her current lifestyle would possibly affect her Tennis Career in any way. It is disappointing to see Tennis Australia in the Open Letter amalgamating her sporting career which she won for her Nation. We hope in this great Nation of ours that generations to come will continue to have freedom of speech to stand for what they believe in.

“We are thrilled that Tennis Australia will be celebrating mum’s achievements and look forward to the great tennis at the Australian Open 2020. Thanks Mum, for all you do for us and our families.

“Signed, Daniel, Marika, Teresa and Lisa.”

Court earlier released her own statement to confirm she would be attending the event at Melbourne Park.

“This is an incredible milestone for me, and I can’t quite believe how quickly the time has gone,” she said.

“It’s always wonderful to catch up with my fellow legends and I’m grateful to Tennis Australia.

Margaret and Barry Court have four children.

“Tennis is a wonderful sport and I’m proud to be part of the history of our great game.”

The holder of an unsurpassed 24 grand slam singles trophies, Court’s achievements will be celebrated throughout the 2020 Open from January 20 to February 2.

Tennis Australia’s open letter made it clear Court’s controversial views will not be welcome.

“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,” the open letter read.

“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.

“In 2017 the Australian Open launched #Open4All, a major diversity and inclusion initiative, designed to showcase the many inclusive opportunities in tennis.

“#Open4All encompasses events such as the Glam Slam, an international LGBTQI tournament that has been held at the Australian Open for the past few years, and will be back for AO 2020. We have also hosted events for the National Inclusion Conference and have ongoing working relationships with the Pride in Sport Index and Stand Up Events.

“The Australian Open is for everyone, and we look forward to welcoming the world to Melbourne in January 2020.”

It’s an extraordinary move to highlight how Court has “hurt and demeaned” people in the same press release celebrating her milestone achievement in winning the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open in the same calendar year.

Tennis Australia then went even further, releasing an open letter explaining why it believes Court’s anti-gay marriage comments are so inappropriate.

Tennis Australia has gone to great lengths to ensure people know it does not condone Court’s views.

“Her outstanding playing career is her tennis legacy and clearly worthy of recognition. We will continue to communicate with Margaret, as we have for many years, regarding events, our recognition of her achievement, our sport and its culture,” the letter read.

“However, the philosophy and culture of our sport goes deeper than winning and setting records. We seek to foster a sport that is inclusive and welcoming of everyone. We all bear some responsibility for creating a safe and inclusive society. As a sport, tennis is unwavering in playing our part.

“As we have often communicated to Margaret, we respect that everyone has a right to an opinion — and a right to express it. Equally, we all share an obligation that while living our lives freely, we do not harm others, and we understand that there are consequences to our words. Publicly stated views of intolerance and demeaning language about others can have enormous impact, and are particularly hurtful and harmful to those who believe they are targeted.

“We have a big responsibility as a sport to play a leadership role in supporting an inclusive community, and respecting the rights of all Australians, whether or not they play our great sport.”

— with AAP

Originally published as Margaret Court’s family issues emotional response to Tennis Australia letter