Navratilova, McEnroe row with Margaret Court heats up at Australian Open

Tennis legends Martina Navratilova and John McEnroeprotestedagainst all-time great Margaret Court for her homophobic views on court at the Australian Open as authorities swiftly clampdown on the raging controversy.

Martina Navratilova hijacked a vacant umpire's chair to use the mic for addressing a small crowd, however,her microphone was cut off in between after she started speaking. After that, both John McEnroe and Martina Navratilova unfurled a banner which read 'Evonne Goolagong Arena'.

The duocalled for changing the name of the Australian Open's second show court named afterMargaret Court and demandedthe stadium be renamed "Evonne Goolagong Arena".

Evonne Goolagong is an Australian Aboriginal tennis player, she is a seven-time Grand Slam champion.

McEnroe andNavratilova allege Margaret Court has shown constant opposition towards same-sex marriage.

Navratilova who is openly gay, and has campaigned for gay rightshas been a constant critic of Margaret Court for her thoughts on thesubject.

The Grand Slam organisers (Tennis Australia) have condemned Navratilova and McEnroe for the protests, terming it a "breach ofprotocol".

"We embrace diversity, inclusion and the right for people to have a view, as well as their right to voice that view, but the Australian Open has regulations and protocols with respect to how any fan, player or guest can use our facility, the event and the global stage it provides. This is to ensure the integrity of our event," Tennis Australia said.

"Two high-profile guests have breached these protocols and we are working through this with them," itadded.

In a low-key ceremony just before Rafael Nadal and Nick Kygios' clash, Court was honoured at Rod Laver Arena on Mondayas the day marked 50th anniversary ofher 1970 Grand Slam victory.

The netizens took to Twitter to support Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe's protest.