Raymond Moore resigns as Indian Wells tournament director after sexism row

Indian Wells tournament director Raymond Moore has resigned over the controversial comments he made about women's tennis.

Moore was criticised by women's No 1 Serena Williams, among others, after claiming women players are riding 'on the coattails of the men' and 'very lucky' to be receiving equal prize money.

The 69-year-old South African, a former professional player, sparked further outcry for saying: "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."

Although Moore apologised for his remarks later on Sunday the damage had already been done, with his predecessor Steve Simon, who moved on to become WTA Tour chief executive, particularly scathing in his reaction.

And Indian Wells tournament owner Larry Ellison confirmed late on Monday evening that Moore had stepped down, before going on to state his belief that tennis had done more than many sports to champion gender equality.

Ellison said: "Ray let me know that he has decided to step down from his roles as CEO and tournament director effective immediately.

"Nearly half a century ago, Billie Jean King began her historic campaign for the equal treatment of women in tennis," he added.

"What followed is an ongoing, multi-generational, progressive movement to treat women and men in sports equally.

"I'm proud to say that it is now a decade long tradition at our tournament at Indian Wells, and all the major tennis tournaments, to pay equal prize money to both the women and the men."

Simon also revealed Moore could face sanctions from the WTA Tour, as he told Sky Sports News HQ: "The comments Mr Moore made is a clear violation of our code of conduct. As a result our board will review the comments and determine the appropriate discipline."