DHAKA: World number one Novak Djokovic has questioned equal prize money in tennis, suggesting men should get better awards as they have more spectators.

Winning the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, he defended use of viewing statistics to determine fair distribution of prizes at joint events.

Earlier, Indian Wells Tennis Garden CEO Raymond Moore said the women’s WTA Tour “ride on the coat-tails of the men”.

Djokovic described the comments as “not politically correct”.

The Serbian player said women “fought for what they deserve and they got it”, but that the men’s ATP tennis world “should fight for more”.

“Stats are showing that we have much more spectators on the men’s tennis matches. I think that is one of the ... reasons why maybe we should get awarded more.”

“As long as it is like that and there is data and stats available and information... upon who attracts more attention, spectators, who sells more tickets and stuff like that, in relation to that it has to be fairly distributed.”

Raymond Moore caused controversy earlier when he said: “If I was a lady player, I would 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.”

He later apologized for the remarks.

BDST: 0907 HRS, MAR 21, 2016
SR