Novak Djokovic News: Serbian Tennis Star Says Male Players Should Be Paid More Than Their Female Counterparts
Right after Indian Wells CEO Raymond Moore came under fire for what was deemed as sexist remarks against female tennis players, Serbian star Novak Djokovic seemed to have fanned the flames of the situation.
Before Sunday's event, Moore made his controversial statements saying how he intends to be part of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) in his next life because they "ride on the coattails of men."
He then went on to say that women players owe the men a lot, putting focus on players such as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
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"If I was a lady player, I'd go down every night on my knees and thank God that Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal were born, because they have carried this sport. They really have," Moore said.
Moore did apologize for the said statements, but the WTA is still putting it under review for possible sanctions. Apparently, Djokovic had something else to say about the matter. And to the dismay of fans, his statements did piggyback on Moore's previous remarks.
Djokovic first noted how he believes women deserve admiration and respect for their accomplishments, and how he recognizes the various efforts for those who advocate equal prize money payouts for both men and women players.
However, he did counter it by saying how male tennis players "have much more spectators in their matches." This is why he believes they should be given more monetary compensation.
"I think that our men's tennis world, ATP [Association of Tennis Professionals] world, should fight for more because the stats are showing that we have much more spectators on the men's tennis matches," Djokovic said in a report by The Washington Post. "I think that's one of the reasons why maybe we should get awarded more."
Djokovic went on to reiterate his "tremendous respect" for women for having to go through a lot, citing "hormones and different stuff" as examples.
