Indian Wells CEO Raymond Moore has resigned after his controversial comments about women’s tennis.

Raymond Moore, 69, said the women’s game “rides on the coat-tails” of the men.

Women’s world No 1 Serena Williams said Raymond Moore’s statement was “offensive and very inaccurate”.

However, Novak Djokovic claimed his tour should fight for more money.

Raymond Moore said female players “should get down on their knees” in thanks to male counterparts such as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Photo NBC News

The South African – a former player – later apologized for his “erroneous” remarks.

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova said Raymond Moore’s comments were “extremely prejudiced”, adding female players may boycott Indian Wells if Moore stayed.

Novak Djokovic, who won the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells on March 20, described Raymond Moore’s remarks as “not politically correct”.

However, he suggested men should get more prize money because more people watch their matches.

There has been equal prize money in all four majors – the Australian Open, US Open, French Open and Wimbledon – since 2007, and combined Masters events such as Indian Wells and Miami pay the same to men and women.

In a statement, Indian Wells tournament owner Larry Ellison said: “Ray let me know he has decided to step down from his roles as CEO and tournament director effective immediately. I fully understand his decision.”