Tennis Australia invites Margaret Court to Melbourne Park but distances itself from her views

Margaret Court’s children have spoken out saying they are “disappointed” in Tennis Australia after it took a swipe at the tennis legend.

Margaret Court’s children have expressed their “disappointment” at Tennis Australia (TA) for doubling down on its opposition to her stance on same-sex marriage.

TA has invited Court to attend the Australian Open as a special guest to mark the 50-year anniversary of her incredible 1970 Grand Slam, when she won all four majors.

However, in the same breath, Tennis Australia distanced itself from the 77-year-old and her views on gay marriage.

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.

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In a statement, Court’s four children Daniel, Marika, Teresa and Lisa said they were “disappointed” by TA’s position.

“As mum is a minister of religion it is her job to stand for Biblical principles,” the statement read. “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 the nation.”

They said they “hope generations to come will continue to have freedom of speech to stand for what they believe in”.

In an earlier statement today announcing Court’s invitation to Melbourne Park in January, Tennis Australia delivered a stinging backhand as it promoted its own programs encouraging diversity and inclusion in the sport.

“Tennis Australia respects Margaret’s unmatched tennis career and welcomes her to the Australian Open, particularly in this milestone anniversary year,” the TA statement read.

“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.

“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.

“Similarly, we believe any public figure has a big responsibility to ensure their views are expressed in a way that demonstrates respect and tolerance, and does not cause harm to, or degrade others.

“As a sport, tennis is unwavering in playing our part to ensure an inclusive society. We cannot condone views that fracture our incredible tennis community, nor indeed, the wider community.

“The tennis court and club should be a place of fun and comfort to everyone, where people from all walks of life get to know each other without fear of judgment or harassment.

“Inclusivity is at the very core of what we do and that also involves creating an environment

where people feel comfortable to be themselves and live their lives as they see fit without causing harm to others.”

COURT’S VIEWS SLAMMED AS ‘ABHORRENT’

Tennis Australia was put in a tricky position when earlier this month Court called on the governing body to show her the same respect it afforded Aussie great Rod Laver, who was feted at all the majors this year in recognition of him winning the Grand Slam in 1969.

“I think Tennis Australia should sit and talk with me,” Court told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. “They have never phoned me. Nobody has spoken to me directly about it. I think they would rather not confront it.

“They brought Rod in from America. If they think I’m just going to turn up, I don’t think that is right. I think I should be invited. I would hope they would pay my way to come like they paid for his, and honour me. If they are not going to do that, I don’t really want to come.”

Court added her views on gay marriage shouldn’t have anything to do with her tennis legacy and maintained she has nothing against homosexuals, but simply believes they should not be allowed to marry.

“I don’t feel any of that should be brought into my tennis career,” Court said. “It was a different phase of my life from where I am now and if we are not big enough as a nation and a game to face those challenges there is something wrong.”

Court’s call sparked plenty of debate in Australia and comedian and host of Triple M Sydney’s breakfast program Lawrence Mooney said her attitude towards gay people has no place in society.

Court wanted to be remembered in the same way Rod Laver was in 2019.

“You can’t use ‘her views are popular’ and ‘she has a right to use them’ to be homophobic, you just can’t be,” Mooney told Channel 9’s Today program earlier in November.

“And if you’re homophobic there’s no space for you in public life.

“Discriminating about sexuality is a crime, so it is legislated against.

“Margaret Court’s opinions on same sex marriage and sexuality are abhorrent and she should be hounded out of the sport until she falls into line.

“It’s absolutely abhorrent.

“Margie, catch up to 2019.

“Margaret Court needs to stop discriminating against people.”

Court is one of just three women — alongside Maureen Connolly (1953) and Steffi Graf (1988) — to win all four grand slams in the same year.

“I’m looking forward to celebrating the 50th anniversary of winning the Grand Slam with my family and friends at the Australian Open,” Court said.

“This is an incredible milestone for me, and I can’t quite believe how quickly the time has gone. It’s always wonderful to catch up with my fellow legends and I’m grateful to Tennis Australia.

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