Controversial Aussie tennis legend Margaret Court had medals stolen during a break-in at her home – after she failed to turn up at the Australian Open
- Two men were charged with the break-in
- The court was a notable absentee at the Australian Open
- The tennis legend has created controversy over religious views
Two people have been charged after awards, medals and other valuables were stolen from the West Australian home of controversial Australian tennis champion Margaret Court on Australia Day.
The men from Edgewater, aged 33 and 34, have been charged with one count of aggravated housebreaking and committing and one count of theft and are due to appear in Perth court next month.
The thieves allegedly stole awards and medals from Margaret and Barry Court in the break-in. Photo: Fiona Hamilton
‘It is alleged that at about 8pm, two males gained access to the premises through the front entrance door,’ Western Australian police said in a statement.
Once inside, the accused rummaged through the victim’s property and stole several items including awards, medals and jewelry.
‘Some objects are found in nearby bushland and gardens.’
Court holds the all-time record for singles grand slam championships in the Open era with 24 and has a show court named after him at Melbourne Park, which hosts the Australian Open.
However, Court has not been seen at an Australian grand slam for three years after calls from tennis greats Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe to rename the Margaret Court Arena after Evonne Goolagong Cawley.
Although Court has not appeared at the Australian Open since 2020, he will be a special guest at Wimbledon in 2022 (pictured with British champion Andy Murray and John Newcombe)
Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Ash Barty are guests at the 2023 Australian Open at Melbourne Park but Court is nowhere to be seen.
The arena named after Margaret Court. There was a petition and huge support from the tennis community to rename it after Evonne Goolagong Cawley
The 80-year-old is a Catholic and prominent voice of a Perth-based Pentecostal movement.
He has previously made headlines for his views on same-sex marriage, previously describing gay marriage as a ‘trend’.
‘I think there will be a price to pay for this in the future in the country and people will see that it’s not about marriage,’ he told the Herald Sun at the time.
‘There will be a genderless generation. My thing is that marriage is between a man and a woman.’
Serena Williams kisses Margaret Court after her victory over Lindsay Davenport in the women’s final of the 2005 Australian Open. The pair also clashed over who was the greatest women’s player of all time
While the former Australian Open champion was away, he made an appearance at the Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club ahead of where he signed autographs for young fans at an All Stars Tennis Tournament.
Court is considered one of the sport’s all-time greats, having won 24 major singles titles and a phenomenal 64 major titles overall.
He retired from tennis in 1977.
Former champions Rod Laver, Evonne Goolagong, John Newcombe, Ken Rosewall and Ash Barty were spotted at this year’s Australian Open but Court was a notable absentee.
Margaret Court of Australia holds the Venus Rosewater Dish after defeating Billie Jean King of the United States at Wimbledon in 1970
He has not been seen at the Australian Open since he was the guest of honor in 2020 to mark the 50-year anniversary of his 1970 ‘grand slam’.
Tennis Australia introduced Pride Day as part of the 2023 Australian Open to celebrate inclusivity, which includes a Pride Hub and all-gender toilets at Melbourne Park.
In addition, the Open also includes a Glam Slam event to celebrate the LGBTI+ community from January 25-27.
