Margaret Court is one of the most decorated players in the history of tennis. The Australian tennis legend holds the record for the most Grand Slam singles titles. During her illustrious career, she won an astonishing 24 major singles titles. Additionally, Court also went on to lift 19 doubles and 21 mixed doubles Grand Slam titles.

Australian tennis was in safe hands during Court’s playing days. However, the period after the 20th century has seen the Europeans taking the center stage in tennis, especially on the men’s side. She once opened up about why Australian tennis began a downward slope.

Margaret Court on the struggles of Australian tennis

During an interview, Court was asked about her theories behind the struggles of Australian tennis. Responding to this question, she said, “We’ve had such great players in this nation and, to me, it’s sad that it’s not still going on. We have everything here to have that success. We should still be having it.”

Further, she added, “I’ve had the same theories for 20 years. I think we have to go back to individual coaches for developing players.”

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Talking about her experiences, she said, “I don’t think I would have come through in this system. I had great mentors who … brought the best out of me. I think our young players are told to leave their individual coaches too early.”

Court talks about Serena Williams

With her third-round exit at this year’s US Open, Serena fell just one Grand Slam title short of equaling Court’s record. It was the American legend’s last tournament of her professional tennis career.

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Reacting to Serena’s retirement, Court questioned the younger Williams sister’s legacy. Further, she felt that Serena played in a much easier era.

During Court’s playing days, she had to travel alone or with the national team and spent days away from her family members. Nonetheless, she became one of the few players to have won the Calendar Year Grand Slam in singles. The Australian legend achieved this rare feat in the year 1970.

Do you agree with the Australian’s views? Is she right to criticize the achievements of a modern day great like Serena Williams?