Margaret Court was spotted sitting in the stands at the Australian Open during the event’s Pride Day – despite her controversial opinions on gay marriage.
Controversy has long dogged the Aussie tennis legend, 81, over her opposition to same-sex marriages and has even prompted calls for the Margaret Court Arena to be renamed.
Court returned to the Australian Open for the first time since 2020 this year, and was regularly spotted in the crowd with her husband Barrymore Court.
She was in the stands for matches in the Rod Laver Arena on January 25, which is the Australian Open’s Pride Day.
Margaret Court was spotted sitting in the stands at the Australian Open during the event’s Pride Day – despite her controversial opinions on gay marriage
‘AO Pride Day is the Australian Open’s opportunity to be loud about our values of being welcoming and inclusive for the LGBTQ+ community,’ the event’s description read.
‘We know some members in the LGBTQ+ community have not historically felt safe and included in sporting environments and we are committed to changing this narrative.’
For AO Pride Day, Rod Laver Arena was lit up in rainbow colours while there was also acoustic performances by LGBTQ+ artists.
There were also Finals Festivals held at John Cain Arena featuring LGBTQ+ singer Tash Sultana.
Noticeably, no pride events were held inside the Margaret Court Arena.
Rainbow flags had also been placed on top of a statue of Court, as seen in a photo shared to Reddit on Thursday.
Rainbow flags had also been placed on top of a statue of Court, as seen in a photo shared to Reddit on Thursday
The sporting great has long been the subject of controversy over comments about LGBTQ+ issues.
In 2017, Court – a Christian pastor – shocked countless tennis identities and supporters after she boldly declared the sport was ‘full of lesbians’.
She also previously labelled gay marriage ‘a trend’ and the 24-time Grand Slam winner stunned many in tennis circles after stating her belief that transgender athletes have no place in professional sport.
Court has also said she believes marriage should only be between a man and a woman.
She threatened to boycott Qantas after the airline showed its support for same-sex marriage before it became legal in Australia.
‘I am disappointed that Qantas has become an active promoter for same-sex marriage,’ Court said in the letter published in The West Australian newspaper at the time.
‘I believe in marriage as a union between a man and a woman as stated in the Bible.
‘Your statement leaves me no option but to use other airlines where possible for my extensive travelling.’
