Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King would refuse to play on Margaret Court Arena

TENNIS legend Billie Jean King has joined Martina Navratilova in slamming Margaret Court’s stance on same sex marriage and believes her name should be removed from Court’s Melbourne Park arena.

(FILES) This file photo taken on November 26, 2015 shows former US tennis player Martina Navratilova taking part in a mixed doubles exhibition match during the Tennis Masters Hyderabad 2015 at the Sania Mirza Tennis Academy (SMTA) in Hyderabad. Navratilova slammed "sick and dangerous" comments by Australia's Margaret Court that the sport was "full of lesbians" and transgender child were the result of a Nazi-style plot. / AFP PHOTO / NOAH SEELAM

AUSTRALIAN Open Woman of the Year Billie Jean King has sensationally declared that Margaret Court should have her name removed from the Melbourne Park arena named in her honour.

And if she were playing today, she would refuse to play on the court.

Court — who has won the most grand slams of any female player — is now a Christian minister in Perth and has been vocal in recent years on her homophobic views surrounding gay marriage and the gay community.

She has said she will not be attending this year’s Australian Open.

King, 74, is openly gay and said she had previously disagreed with Court’s stance but recent comments have put her “over the edge”.

Billie Jean King says Margaret Court should no longer have an arena named after her

“I probably don’t think it’s appropriate to have her name,” she said.

“I was a proponent of hers, trying to get her to the best possible court. She won 64 grand slams. She won more than everybody else.

“When Rocket, Rod Laver, got given the arena, I said ‘what are you going to do for Margaret?’.

“But I think it’s its really important, if you’re going to have your name on anything, that you’re hospitable, inclusive, you’re opening arms to everyone that comes to a public facility.

“I just think she’s gotten really derogatory and when she talked about children (that are) transgender being from the devil, that put me over the edge.

“If you were talking about indigenous people, Jews or any other people, I can’t imagine the public would want to have her name on something.

“Maybe it’s our community, the LGBTIQ community -people might feel differently.

“Because we’re all God’s children. And we’re all being the best we can be.

“I think it’s really important to be your authentic self. It took me a long time with my own sexuality — until I was 51 to feel comfortable in my own skin, and shame-based things are very difficult. That’s the last thing we need.”

She also said that she “wouldn’t play on the court”.

“If I were playing today, I would not play on it,” she said, but refused to encourage current players to boycott the arena.

“I’d encourage them to seek out their own heart and mind,” she said.

(FILES) This file photo taken on November 26, 2015 shows former US tennis player Martina Navratilova taking part in a mixed doubles exhibition match during the Tennis Masters Hyderabad 2015 at the Sania Mirza Tennis Academy (SMTA) in Hyderabad. Navratilova slammed "sick and dangerous" comments by Australia's Margaret Court that the sport was "full of lesbians" and transgender child were the result of a Nazi-style plot. / AFP PHOTO / NOAH SEELAM

King said she wished Court was attending the Open so that they could discuss the matter further.

King’s views echo those shared by Martina Navratilova who told the New York Times she would also refuse to play on the court named after the Australian because of her homophobic views.

“You keep her in the Hall of Fame, ”​ ​Navratilova​ told the American publication.

“That Margaret has definitely homophobic views does not take away those accomplishments, no doubt about that.

“But you do not name a building after her.

“Would you be naming a new building after her now? No, there’s no chance.”

AUSTRALIAN OPEN LIVE STAGE: FULL GUIDE TO MUSIC SERIES

Tennis Australia​ ​last week said it ​had ​would not consider changing the name of the tennis court​ after Court’s strong public views against same-sex marriage.

Tennis Australia​ ​last week said it ​had ​would not consider changing the name of the tennis court​

The ​Pentecostal pastor​’s ​comments led to widespread condemnation among the player cohort, prompting Tennis Australia to distance itself from the sport’s most successful player. ​

Navratilova said she would refuse to play on the court if she were still an active player, ​but she told the New York Times ​she ​it was unlikely any of today’s players ​would take that stance.

Navratilova​, who has long been out as a lesbian, and Court are member​s​ of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Last week, Australian Open director Craig Tiley told the Herald Sun there had been no indication that players intended on boycotting the arena.

“I speak to the players every day but there have been no requests,” Tiley said.

“I don’t agree with Margaret’s comments.

“They don’t align with my values. They don’t line with our organisation’s values.

“But she’s entitled — we live in a free country — to make whatever comments she wants.

“But with that comes a consequence.

“The consequence is that she’s got a response from us.”

MELBOURNE TRAFFIC DELAYS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

FULL GUIDE TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT DISRUPTIONS