Open set to honour Billie Jean King as Court steers clear

WITH a nod to tennis’ status as one of the most progressive in sport, Billie Jean King will be honoured at this year’s Australian Open — as Margaret Court stays away.

King, with two Australian Open crowns among her 12 major titles, landed in Mel- bourne yesterday. The trailblazing American will be invited to present the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup to the 2018 champion at Melbourne Park.

Until then, she’ll be feted as the tournament’s woman of the year — on the 50th anniversary of her first Open title.

No bones about it, King is being honoured for her advo- cacy. The 74-year-old is a pioneer of the WTA tour and a driver of women enjoying equal billing with men in tennis.

The Australian Open sees itself on the right side of history, having introducing equal prize money in 1984.

Openly gay King will be involved in a number of public events, including a human rights symposium on semi- final day, January 25. Tournament director Craig Tiley said King deserved her accolades.

“Her tireless work for equality transcends her reputation as a sporting legend,” he said.

Tiley also extended an invitation to Court, the 11-time champion, but the 75-year-old opted to stay in Perth and “go crabbing”.

The Margaret Court Arena showcourt has brought to attention the West Australian fundamentalist’s Christian views on same-sex parenting and LGBTI rights.

The legalisation of samesex marriage through parliament late last year could mean protests against that court from the public or players during the 2018 tournament.