Calls Grow To Change Margaret Court Arena To Ash Barty Arena
Following her Australian Open win, many believe it's time to have a new name at the Melbourne arena.
A big debate has been sparked on social media after Ash Barty won her Australian Open final match.
It's the first time in more than four decades that an Aussie woman has taken out the Grand Slam title and people all over the country were in awe of the 25-year-old.
She took to Rod Laver Arena on Saturday (January 29) night and methodically cleaned out her opponent, Danielle Collins, in straight sets.
It has reignited calls to rename Melbourne's Margaret Court Arena to the Ash Barty Arena to honour a young gun who is currently the world number one female tennis player.
One person said: "She's much more deserving of the honour. I mean, a dog turd bag is more deserving but anyway... bloody change it already."
Another added: "Ash Barty Arena has a nicer ring than Margaret Court don't you think?
However, not everyone is on board with the idea.
"I love Barty but I don't think it should be named after someone who is still active in the sport. Wait until she retires. I would love for them to rename it after Evonne Goolagong Cawley though!" wrote one person on Reddit.
Another user said: "I don't think they should do it now since she is still playing...but when she retires and that sure."
People suggested it could be called the Tina Arena Arena after the legendary singer or even the Dylan All-court.
Others said Evonne Goolagong Cawley should be given the honour after she was the last Aussie to win the Australian Open women's singles title back in 1977.
Court had her name emblazoned on the arena for winning 24 Grand Slam women's singles titles, 19 Grand Slam women's doubles titles, and 21 Grand Slam mixed doubles titles, which is the most any player has ever won.
She's the only person in the sport's history to complete a Multiple Grand Slam set, twice, in all three disciplines: singles, women's doubles and mixed doubles. She's largely regarded as one of the best players tennis has ever seen.
However, her recent off-court comments have soured her image.
In 2012, Court made some controversial statements against openly gay tennis players Billie Jean King, Rennae Stubbs and Martina Navratilova.
The tennis legend continued to sour some people's image of her when she expressed her opposition to same-sex marriage in Australia during the plebiscite.
She announced she would boycott Qantas because of the company's open support for LGBTQIA+ people.
Featured Image Credit: Frank Molter/Alamy Live newsTopics: Australia
Stewart Perrie