‘Her Life Has Just Gone Astray’ – When 64-Time Grand Slam Champion Slammed Martina Navratilova About Her Sexuality

Former Australian tennis star, Margaret Court, holds the record for most Grand Slam titles. Undoubtedly, she is one of the best tennis players of all time. However, her controversial views and words are the reason behind her not getting much acceptance in the tennis community. Her views against the LGBTQ community are the primary reason for the hate she receives. American tennis legend, Martina Navratilova, is one of the prominent faces of the LGBTQ community in tennis and she has been vocal against the views of Court.

Back in 1990, the tension between these two reached its peak, when Court Openly criticized Navratilova for her sexual orientation.

When Margaret Court attacked Martina Navratilova

Back in 1990, Margaret Court came up with a statement against Martina Navratilova. The Aussie attacked Navratilova for her sexual orientation. Further calling her a bad example for kids. “She is a great player, but I’d like to see somebody at the top to whom the younger players can look up to. It is very sad for children to be exposed to it. Martina is a nice person. Her life has just gone astray.”

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Due to her controversial remarks, the tennis community has maintained its distance from the Aussie. She was back in the news recently, when the only person in Serena Williams, who came close to equalling her record, retired from tennis.

When Navratilova wanted the Margaret Court Arena renamed

Owing to her views and words against the LGBTQ community, Navratilova has a particular conflict with the Aussie. Back in the 2020 Australian Open, she along with John McEnroe, came up with a banner demanding the Margaret Court Arena to be renamed after former Australian tennis star, Evonne Goolagong.

Notably, Goolagong was a prolific tennis player with seven Grand Slam titles. As per Navratilova, naming the stadium after the Aboriginal Aussie legend, will send a message of inclusiveness rather than having the name of a controversial figure like Court.

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However, this did not go down well with the Australian Open organizers, who reprimanded both, Navratilova and McEnroe. They both apologized for their action later.