Australian Open court to be renamed

The Australian Open will honour former grand slam winner Margaret Court by naming Show Court One at Melbourne Park after her, Tennis Australia president Geoff Pollard said on Wednesday.

Officials will rename the court on the eve of the 2003 Australian Open grand slam tournament, which starts on January 13 next year.

"Margaret Court's list of achievements in the sport of tennis are outstanding and the renaming of Show Court One at Australia's premier tennis venue will provide an enduring tribute to a true Australian champion," Pollard said in a statement released on Wednesday.

Margaret Court

"Margaret's achievements in the women's game stand shoulder to shoulder with another Aussie legend Rod Laver in the men's and I'm sure this recognition will bring a lasting sense of pride to all Australians."

Court won all four grand slam titles in 1970 while Laver won the grand slam in 1962 and 1969. The centre court at Melbourne Park is already named Rod Laver Arena.

Court, who won all 20 of her Federation Cup singles matches for Australia from 1963-71, said she was thrilled with the honour.

"I think it will be a great statement for women's tennis," said the 60-year-old, who won 24 grand slam singles titles including three Wimbledon championships.