King: Arena name should be changed

Billie Jean King believes the name of Margaret Court Arena should be changed and said she would refuse to play on it if she were competing in this year’s Australian Open.

The row concerning the name of Melbourne Park’s third show court has rumbled on since last summer, when 11-time Australian Open champion Court voiced increasingly extreme views as Australia prepared to vote on same-sex marriage.

Court, who is now a Pentecostal minister, claimed a gay lobby was trying to get into the minds of children and that transgenderism was the work of the devil.

The 75-year-old, who won 24 grand slam singles titles, also criticised Australian player Casey Dellacqua for having two children with her female partner.

King, a leading gay rights and equality activist, said: “If I were playing today I would not play there.

“It’s really important if you’re going to have your name on anything that you’re hospitable, you’re inclusive and you open your arms to everyone.”