Australia’s Margaret Court believes she doesn’t get all the credit she deserves from the tennis world for her 24 Grand Slam singles titles and that Serena Williams doesn’t give her the same admiration she has for the American.
Williams – who holds 23 major titles, one short of Court’s record achieved between 1960 and 1973 – was touted by many as the greatest female tennis player of all time in what appeared to be the final round of the circuit at Flushing Meadows, since she recently mentioned she was ready to move on. Williams, who turns 41 later in September, was knocked out of the US Open in the third round by Alja Tomljanovic on Friday night in a game in which she saved five match points to extend the battle for more than three hours.
“Serena, I admired her as a player, but I don’t think she ever admired me,” Court told the British newspaper. Daily Telegraph in a rare interview.
Court, 80, said she became persona non grata in the tennis world because of her Christian beliefs, which led her to oppose same-sex marriage when it was proposed in Australia.
“A lot of media today, especially in tennis, don’t want to mention my name,” Court said. I received no credit for what I did. In my own nation they gave me titles, but they [les médias] I still prefer you not to talk about me. »
Court also defended her achievements against the idea that they would not compare to Williams’s because she played mostly in the amateur era.
“Serena was playing seven years older than me. I quit in my early thirties. People forget that I took a two-year break. I first retired when I was 25, thinking I would never return to tennis. »
“I got married, had a kid, but then I had one of my best seasons, winning 24 out of 25 tournaments. »
Court said she held a higher record than Williams since the two became mothers during their careers.
“I came back after two children. After the first child, I won three out of four Grand Slams,” Court said, before stating that “Serena hasn’t won a Grand Slam since she had a child.”
Williams’ most recent major title was the 2017 Australian Open, which she won while eight weeks pregnant. Williams had not lost a set.
During the interview, Court also attacked the idea that his 11 Australian Open titles were worth less than Williams’ seven.
“Sometimes I listen to Billie Jean [King] say the players didn’t come to Australia in my early years. But here came Maria Bueno, the No. 1 player in the world. Just like Christine Truman, Ann Haydon and Darlene Hard. Australia also had several outstanding players. We had five players in the top-10. Lesley Bowrey has won two French Opens,” Court defended.
Court even added that he thought the life of a star tennis player was more difficult in her years.
“I would like to play in this era. I believe it is much easier. I wish I could have taken my family and friends with me. But I could not. I had to go alone or with the national team. People don’t see that. »
“We didn’t have psychologists or coaches with us. It’s a completely different world. That’s what frustrates me – that today’s players don’t honor the sport’s past. »
Court said she was disappointed that Williams did not speak more about Australian opponent Tomljanovic after her loss.
“I think it’s a mistake that Williams didn’t speak more about her opponent when she did,” Court admitted. We were taught to honor our opponents. We respected each other. »
