“If you insult him, then you shouldn’t be watching tennis anymore.”
For the first time in years, Australian tennis legend Margaret Court has broken her silence on a major controversy at her home Grand Slam, speaking out forcefully in defense of Alex de Minaur and launching a stinging critique of the 2026 Australian Open, which she described bluntly as “a complete mess.” Her comments have sent shockwaves through the tennis world, reigniting debate about respect, sportsmanship, and the treatment of players in an era dominated by social media outrage and instant judgment.
Court, a 24-time Grand Slam singles champion and one of the most influential figures in the history of the sport, rarely intervenes in modern tennis controversies. That is precisely why her words have carried such weight. Speaking with visible frustration, she condemned the wave of harshly offensive remarks aimed at de Minaur following his loss to top-ranked opponents, saying the criticism had crossed a line that should never be breached in sport.
“If you insult him, then you shouldn’t be watching tennis anymore,” Court said. “Criticism of performance is part of the game, but attacking a player’s worth, mocking his effort, or dismissing his talent shows a complete lack of understanding of what tennis demands.”
Alex de Minaur, Australia’s highest-profile male player and a consistent presence in the world’s top rankings, has long been admired for his relentless work ethic, speed, and fighting spirit. At the 2026 Australian Open, however, his campaign ended in disappointment after he was eliminated by elite opponents widely tipped to contend for the title. While defeat itself was not unexpected, the reaction that followed stunned many observers.
Sections of online commentary and crowd reactions reportedly went far beyond normal sporting banter. De Minaur’s abilities were dismissed, his ambition questioned, and his losses portrayed as proof that he “didn’t belong” among the game’s elite. For Court, this behavior was not just unfair to one player but damaging to the integrity of the tournament itself.
“What I saw this year was ugly,” she said. “The Australian Open is supposed to represent the very best of our sport and our country. Instead, we saw disrespect, cruelty, and a mob mentality that embarrassed Australian tennis.”
Court also criticized tournament organizers for failing to take a firmer stance against abusive behavior, suggesting that the atmosphere inside and outside the stadiums had been allowed to spiral out of control. Calling the 2026 edition “a complete mess,” she argued that players should never feel unprotected at their own home Grand Slam.
“Alex is playing in front of his people,” she said. “If we can’t support our own, especially when they’re giving everything they have, then something is very wrong.”
According to those close to de Minaur, Court’s public support had a profound emotional impact on the 26-year-old. Known for his toughness on court and reserved demeanor off it, de Minaur was reportedly overwhelmed when he heard her comments. Witnesses described him struggling to hold back tears, visibly moved by the defense from one of the sport’s greatest champions.
In a heartfelt response, de Minaur expressed deep gratitude for Court’s words, saying they meant more to him than any result or ranking. He acknowledged the pain of recent criticism but emphasized that moments like this reminded him why he continues to fight through setbacks.
“To have someone like Margaret Court stand up for me, and for players in general, is incredibly humbling,” de Minaur said. “I’ve always tried to represent Australia with pride, respect, and effort. Hearing her say she’s proud of me gave me strength at a time when it was really needed.”
Court, in turn, said de Minaur’s response made her “deeply proud,” not just as a former champion but as an Australian who cares about the future of the sport. She praised his character, resilience, and refusal to lash out at critics despite the intensity of the abuse.
“This young man has shown more class in defeat than many people show in victory,” she said. “That’s what champions are made of.”
The episode has sparked broader discussion within tennis about the culture surrounding major tournaments and the responsibilities of fans, media, and governing bodies. As players face increasing scrutiny and hostility, voices like Court’s have added urgency to calls for stronger protections and a renewed emphasis on respect.
For Alex de Minaur, the road ahead will undoubtedly include more victories and more losses, as it does for every professional athlete. But for many fans, Margaret Court’s intervention has reframed the conversation, reminding the tennis world that passion for the game should never come at the expense of basic humanity.
As Court concluded, “Tennis is a hard sport. The players already push themselves to the limit. The least we can do is treat them with dignity.”
As Court concluded, “Tennis is a hard sport. The players already push themselves to the limit. The least we can do is treat them with dignity.”
