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Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe Apologise for Breaking Protocol

Tennis legends Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe have apologised for breaking Australian Open protocol after they carried a banner which said that the Margaret Court Arena should be renamed due to Court's views on the gay, lesbian and transgender community.

After a legends match, the Americans displayed a banner which had the words 'Evonne Goolagong Arena'  written on it, asking Tennis Australia to rename the arena after the four-time Australian Open champion, Goolagong.

Speaking to The Tennis Channel, Navratilova commented, "I got in trouble. I am sorry I broke protocol. But I would still have tried and made my statement, which is basically you name buildings after not what people just did on the court but also off the court, the whole body of work."

McEnroe commented, "Admittedly I was never one to study the rule book carefully or for that matter, even at times abide by the rules. For that I apologise to Tennis Australia and recognise and appreciate the great job they have done to make the Australian Open a great event for the fans, players and myself."

The Margaret Court Arena was named after the record 24-time Grand Slam singles champion in 2003. Court was recognised earlier this week by Tennis Australia to mark the 50th anniversary of her winning all the four Grand Slams in 1970. Tennis Australia have said that they do not endorse her personal views and her achievement was recognised but not celebrated. The tournament will also be hosting the finals of the Glam Slam event, which is the largest tennis tournament in the world for the gay, lesbian and transgender community.



from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3aXrKPG

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