Margaret Court is a well-known figure in tennis. She equals Novak Djokovic’s record of 24 grand slams in one’s career. But unfortunately, her resounding achievements are not the only thing that makes her famous. Court is a highly controversial figure who is often under fire for her takes on the world.

Recently, as the Djoker equaled her record, a shocking piece of news came out that showed her disputing equal prize money for women’s and men’s winners of slams. Along with her opinion against equal prize money, Court is also well-known for her homophobic beliefs. Her opinions about the LGBTQ community are not friendly, and she has been chastised by almost every player on tour and retired. 

Margaret Court’s shocking comments about equal pay come to light

The US Open is one tournament that pioneered equal prize money for men’s and women’s divisions in both singles and doubles. The American slam set equal prize money for both divisions in 1973, exactly 50 years ago to the recent tournament. It has continued its tradition and even inspired other tournaments to share equal prize money between both divisions.

When it was changed, people rejoiced, but the change did not settle well with one player. It was the one who would win the championship that year, which made it her first title with equal prize money as the men.

Margaret Court was infamously interviewed after her win, where she opposed the prize money. She said, “I’m not a women’s libber. I’ve never believed we should get prize money equal to men“. She continued, “But…” she was cut off by her husband, who said, “But, I believe she’ll cash the check“.

Thankfully, her comments did not change the status of the pay, and equal prize money has continued in the US Open to this day. 

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Fans react to her comments in the past

As the news reached far on Twitter, people were shocked by the statements made by the former player. Not only were they angry at her, but they were also reminded of the divisive mindset she had.

One user thanked the poster for reminding them of the fact that Court was a controversial figure. They also thanked Billie Jean King for her revolutionary changes.

Another user stated that despite her accomplishments, Court is not a likable figure by any means.

Although Court said that she did not support the idea of equal pay, she made no move to ensure her ideologies came to fruition. Despite her stance against it, she pocketed the prize money for her last slam victory.

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