Margaret Court warns she won’t back off religious views at Australian Open

A defiant Margaret Court says she’s sick of being ‘persecuted’ for her beliefs, but refuses to be cowed by her vocal critics.

Margaret Court and husband Barry watch the first-round match between Naomi Osaka and Marie Bouzkova on Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. Picture: AAP

A defiant Margaret Court says she’s sick of being “persecuted” for her religious beliefs instead of being remembered for her tennis legacy.

But the 24-time grand slam champion turned Christian minister said on Monday she wouldn’t shy away from sharing her controversial views at the Australian Open if asked.

When Ms Court was asked if she could “flick off the Christian switch for a week” to focus solely on tennis, she told ABC Perth: “I'd love that. I'd be happy to do that. That's why I'm over here. (But) if people bring it in, I'll answer it."

Ms Court is a special guest at the 2020 Australian Open in Melbourne and the former tennis superstar will be honoured for the 50th anniversary of her grand slam wins at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, French Open and US Open in 1970.

“Next Monday, they'll be doing a presentation on Centre Court,” Ms Court said. “It's not a lot but it's good what's happening."

The polarising figure has attracting widespread criticism for her views on the LGBTI community in recent years, including her opposition to same-sex marriage during the 2017 postal survey.

Tennis greats Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King, as well as Vogue magazine editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, have called for the Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne to renamed in light of Ms Court’s views.

Ms Court said on Monday she wished people would focus on her tennis and said she’d been “persecuted” for teaching the Bible.

“I wish the press would stick to my tennis,” she said. “I've had so many people touch me on the shoulder and say thank you for being my voice. I haven't had anyone say 'I hate you'.

“I teach what the Bible says and get persecuted for it."

Court, who in an open letter threatened to boycott the airline Qantas over its support for same-sex marriage in 2017, is now a pastor at the Victory Life Church in Perth.