Djokovic weighs in on equality debate

Novak Djokovic has added fuel to the equality debate in tennis, claiming ATP World Tour players should fight for greater rewards.

The world No.1 made the comments after winning a record fifth Indian Wells title, hours after tournament CEO Raymond Moore caused controversy with his comments on women’s tennis.

“Obviously it’s a very delicate and sensitive subject to talk about,” Djokovic said when asked his thoughts on Moore’s comments.

“Women deserve respect and admiration for what they are doing. You know, equal prize money was the main subject of the tennis world in the last seven, eight years.

“I have been through that process, as well, so I understand how much power and energy WTA and all the advocates for equal prize money have invested in order to reach that. I applaud them for that. I honestly do. They fought for what they deserve, and they got it. On the other hand, I think that our men’s tennis world, ATP world, should fight for more, because the stats are showing that we have much more spectators on the men’s tennis matches.

“I think that’s one of the reasons why maybe we should get awarded more. But, again, we can’t complain because we also have great prize money in men’s tennis.

“Look, I don’t know what Raymond Moore was exactly referring to when he was saying that, but this is all I can say from my perspective.”

Djokovic added he was an advocate for women’s tennis, clarifying he believed they would deserve more money than their male counterparts if they were attracting a greater level of interest.

“I have tremendous respect for what women in global sport are doing and achieving,” Djokovic said.

“It’s knowing what they have to go through with their bodies, and their bodies are much different than men’s bodies. They have to go through a lot of different things that we don’t have to go through. You know, the hormones and different stuff, we don’t need to go into details. Ladies know what I’m talking about.

“But it’s really for great admiration and respect for them to be able to fight on such a high level. Many of them they kind of have to sacrifice for certain periods of time the family time or decisions that they make with their own bodies in order to play the tennis and to play the professional sport.

“So I appreciate that. I have had a woman that was my coach, and that was a huge part of my tennis career. I’m surrounded with women. I’m very happy obviously to be married with one and to have a child. I’m completely for women power.”

Read more reactions to Moore’s comments