Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Watson knocked out in the semis
HEATHER Watson’s run at the Hobart I nternational ended with a semi-final loss to Elise Mertens.
Watson has been i n excellent form in Tasmania but found defending champ Mertens, the world No 36, too strong.
Watson, who won the title in 2015, fought back well after losing the opening set.
H o w e v e r, M e r t e n s regrouped in the decider and went on to triumph 6-4 1-6 6-2.
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 cour t has rumbled on since last summer, when 11-time Australian Open champion Court voiced extreme views as Australia went to vote on same-sex marriage.
Court, 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, whose 24 grand slam singles titles is the most of any player in histor y, also criticised Australian player Casey Dellacqua for having two children with her female partner.
Speaking after being named Australian Open Woman of t he Year i n association with the tournament’s new equality initiative Open4All, King said: “If I were playing today I would not play there.”