WTA backs Indian Wells CEO Raymond Moore's resignation

Moore was at the centre of controversy late in the event at Indian Wells, saying female players ride on the success of their male counterparts.

The 69-year-old had been slammed after 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."

Tournament owner Larry Ellison revealed on Monday that his director had stepped down, a move welcomed by women's tennis' organising body.

"Raymond Moore has taken full responsibility for the unacceptable comments he has made," a WTA statement read.

"It is the right decision for him to step down.

"The BNP Paribas Open has supported the payment of equal prize money to all players since 2009.

"The WTA looks forward to working with Mr Ellison and the Indian Wells team on continued efforts in making the sport better and equal for all players."

The WTA have yet to respond to comments made by Novak Djokovic, who suggested men ought to be paid more than women when asked for ihs thoughts on what Moore had said.