|
 Djokovic told reporters at the Indian Wells tournament that he
felt the men's tour should "fight for more" money because their
matches drew more spectators.
The Serbian's comments followed inflammatory remarks by the
tournament director Raymond Moore who suggested the women's tour had
ridden on the 'coat tails' of the men's game.
Moore has since resigned.
Djokovic attempted to hose down the controversy in an open letter on
Facebook but stopped short of saying he advocated equal pay for men
and women in tennis.
"As you may have seen, I was asked to comment on a controversy that
wasn't of my making," said Djokovic, who won his fifth Indian Wells
title on Sunday.
 "Euphoria and adrenalin after the win on Sunday got the best of me
and I've made some comments that are not the best articulation of my
view, and I would like to clarify them.
"Tennis helped me so much in my life and being where I am today, I
felt the need to speak about the fairer and better distribution of
funds across the board -- this was meant for both men and women.
"We all have to fight for what we deserve. This was never meant to
be made into a fight between genders and differences in pay, but in
the way all players are rewarded for their play and effort.
"This was my view all along and I want to apologize to anyone who
has taken this the wrong way."
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Djokovic's comments at Indian Wells were poorly received by leading
players, with women's world number one Serena Williams describing
them as "disappointing".
"I wouldn't say my son deserved more money than my daughter because
he's a man. It would be shocking," Williams said at the Miami Open.
World number two Andy Murray said he supported equal pay "100
percent" and felt Djokovic's idea that pay should be linked to
attendances did not stand up.
"It depends on the matches day by day. The men's game has had some
great rivalries for the past few years," the Briton said.
"The whole of tennis should strengthen from that, not just the men's
game."
(Editing by Greg Stutchbury)
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