Navratilova urges renaming of Margaret Court Arena

TIL Desk Sports/ Martina Navratilova today called for a name change of the Margaret Court Arena at Melbourne Park after the Australian great’s boycott of airliner Qantas over its same-sex marriage stance.

Court, now a church pastor, complained Thursday the carrier’s support of marriage equality conflicted with her views and “leaves me no option but to use other airlines where possible for my extensive travelling”.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion’s comments, published in a letter to The West Australian newspaper, sparked criticism on social media, including from fellow legend Navratilova. “Maybe it’s time to change the name of the Margaret Court Arena then… and I guess Margaret will be taking the boat on her next trip?:),” she tweeted.

She added in another tweet: “thank you Qantas for your support. And Margaret – you have gone too far. Shame on you… #wrongsideofhistory.” Court has long held strong views against homosexuality, which have previously been slammed by Navratilova and Billie Jean King, who are both gay.