The Journey from Tennis to Faith
From an eight year old girl hitting hairless balls against a garage wall, Margaret Court became one of the greatest tennis players of all time going on to win a total of 64 grand slam titles in singles, doubles, mixed doubles over the course of her 17-year career. In 1970, Margaret made history as the first Australian and just the second woman to win the Grand Slam, capturing all four major singles titles in one year. She is also uniquely distinguished as the only woman to complete a Grand Slam in mixed doubles, and the only player, male or female, to achieve this remarkable milestone twice, in 1963 and 1965. Margaret also became the first Australian woman to win a singles title at Wimbledon. Read more
Growing up Margaret was always athletically a step ahead of the rest and her passion for tennis was evident. Conveniently located across her home was the Albury Tennis Club (NSW), Margaret’s tenacious spirit did not hinder the fact that they were not members. Margaret and her friends would access the back court through a hole in the hedge where they could freely play as long as the ball did not reach the back of the court which was in plain sight. To ensure this, Margaret would try to stop the balls reaching the back of the court and unknowingly practice the stroke that led her to be a world champion.
Margaret’s first major title came at the Australian Open in 1960 at just 17 years of age. She joined the international professional circuit a year later and became one of the top four players on her first tour. During her second tour, Margaret went on to win three of the four major titles (Australian, French, US) only Wimbledon evaded her with a loss to American, Billie Jean King. The rematch the following year landed Margaret with her first of three Wimbledon singles titles in 1963.
The Making of a Champion
1966 was the year Margaret claimed her seventh consecutive Australian Open Singles title. She came close to her first Grand Slam, all four major titles in a calendar year, but after losing at the French Open she would have to wait a few more years to reach that milestone.
The following year Margaret decided to hang up her racquet, retiring at only 24 years of age. It was the encouragement she received from her husband, Barry Court, two years later that sparked a comeback. Once again during her comeback she won three of the four major titles this time losing at Wimbledon. Margaret didn’t have to wait long as finally, in 1970, she succeeded achieving her first Grand Slam, winning all four major titles in a calendar year.
She defeated Billie Jean King to win her third Wimbledon title in a legendary match, finishing 14-12, 11-9
1971 sparked a new ambition for Margaret. After falling pregnant with her first child, her new dream was to earn the number 1 ranked player in the world as a mother which she achieved after less than a year back on the circuit. In 1973 she again won three of the four major titles for the fourth time in her career. After having her second child, 1974 was the year her third comeback began, going on to win two more majors in 1975 and retiring soon after.
At the peak of her career, Margaret was at a church in Paris when she encountered Jesus. An encounter that changed, her, and her life forever. Her love for Jesus and the new works he was doing in her life. As her faith and love for Jesus grew, Margaret went on to establish Margaret Court Ministries in 1991 with the vision of bringing people to faith in Jesus. The vision sparked the formation of Victory Life Centre in 1995. Margaret’s life today revolves around family and Victory Life Centre.
