Unofficial - The Evonne Goolagong Arena

As mentioned on The Tennis Podcast this week, we have decided to refer to the second Australian Open show court on the podcast as the Evonne Goolagong Arena, from now on.

Like many people around the world, we have been troubled by the repeated rhetoric and views of Margaret Court, which have demeaned and hurt the LGBTQ community.

Her on-court achievements are beyond question, but Court’s name still officially adorns the second main show court at Melbourne Park, and we would prefer not to use it on our show.

We understand that Tennis Australia are in a very difficult position. They have made clear that they do not share Court’s views. As Billie Jean King said in her interview with us recently:

“Craig Tiley and his team have done a great job, and we’re really lucky to even have a tournament this year. The name will probably stay as it is because the Government would have to want to change it. It isn’t going to change. But I don’t think I could play on it.”

Evonne Goolagong advising a young player.

After hearing what Billie Jean had to say, discussing our own feelings on the subject, and being inspired by Evonne Goolagong while producing our Tennis Re-Lived podcast about her life and career, we decided that we wanted to make our own, small, unofficial stand.

And so we will celebrate a champion, a role model, and someone who uses her platform for good.