Margaret Court has not played tennis professionally since 1975 but her recent comment that same-sex marriage is an effort to legitimize 'abominable sexual practices that include sodomy' has thrust her back into the international limelight.

The Australian tennis legend is now a Pentecostal minister and her remarks drew criticism from former rivals Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King - both lesbians.

Navratilova said Court's 'myopic view is truly frightening' while recently retired Australian pro Rennae Stubbs, also a lesbian, said it was 'very difficult to understand her words of hate directed toward homosexuals.'

Court defended herself in an interview with The New York Times published Wednesday (4 January).

'I think it was … sad, because there was nothing quoted in the press that was here that related to any tennis player,' Court said. 'And I remember, probably 10, 12 years ago, I spoke with Martina Navratilova. To say that I 'hate' homosexuals and lesbians is not [accurate] because we have them in our church. I work with them. And I remember saying to Martina: 'Martina, I love you. God loves you. But a wrong doesn’t make a right.''

Court, winner of three Wimbledons and a record 24 grand slam singles titles overall, is senior pastor in Perth’s Victory Life Church has been speaking out against efforts in Australia to legalize same-sex marriage.

'I can express myself on what is right and what is wrong,' Court said. 'And I look into the Bible, and I see that God made man for woman, and woman for man. And I said I really believe that it’s wrong, to change the laws of a marriage between a man and a woman. All that came out over the world over that! I think they’re trying to make this 'hate' thing — I guess to bring a righteousness, or a self-righteousness. And I was speaking on something else. And I will stand on my beliefs. And I’ve got nothing against the people whatsoever.'

There has been talk of protests against Court at this month's Australian Open, a tournament she won 11 times in singles and where one of the main courts is named in her honor.

Court said she plans to attend this year despite the controversy.

'I just think, well, they have a right to do what they want to do,' she said.