From the heat, to crowd clashes and the endless debate about the lack of Australians involved at finals time, the Open always throws up its fair share of controversy.

This year, there has been an unusual tangent, with a statement being made at Melbourne Park yesterday by gay rights activists against comments attributed to Australian tennis great Margaret Court.

Court, revered as one of the great female players of any era, is a senior pastor at Perth’s Victory Life Centre church and has long held views opposing homosexuality.

These views were published again recently during the Labor Party’s debate over same-sex marriage.

Her status as a tennis great is ingrained at Melbourne Park, with one of the prestigious show courts named after her.

Former and current players have been drawn into the debate, as has tournament director Craig Tiley.

Almost all have supported Ms Court’s right to an opinion but few have agreed with it.

This is the point in question for gay rights activists.

It is not possible to lambast a person’s right to an opinion just because you do not agree with it.

It is these values which underpin their movement.

What is more in question is the focus of the debate at the Australian Open.

It is true that as a tennis player of considerable note, the views of Ms Court are likely to be considered with much greater weight than those of lesser standing.

It’s also true that the the sexuality of players, not just in tennis but many elite sports, is subject to greater conjecture and scrutiny than in general society.

It’s why those who hold the contrary view will target the Open this week. The media coverage generated by the event is almost unequalled in Australia.

The question is whether it is appropriate for Ms Court to use her considerable clout to continue to push a cause which is more in tune with values of a bygone era and is it appropriate for activists to counter by targeting our major sporting event?

Either way, the Open has again proved that what happens on the court is in many respects just the central point for a much bigger event which often tells us as much about Melbourne as it does about our sporting prowess.