Serena Williams slams Indian Wells boss for ‘women riding men’s coattails’ remark
World number one rips into Ray Moore over his comments on the physical attractiveness of some of the WTA’s rising stars among other offensive statements, but tournament director later issues an apology
World number one Serena Williams ripped into “offensive” remarks by Indian Wells tournament director Raymond Moore, who claimed women’s tennis was riding on the coattails of the men’s game.
“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,” Moore, a 69-year-old former player from South Africa, said at his annual state of the tournament press conference on Sunday morning.
Not surprisingly, 21-time grand slam champion Williams was scathing in her response.
We, as women, have come a long way. We shouldn’t have to drop to our knees at any point
“Obviously, I don’t think any woman should be down on their knees thanking anybody like that,” Williams said.
“If I could tell you every day how many people say they don’t watch tennis unless they’re watching myself or my sister, I couldn’t even bring up that number,” Williams said.
Williams said she quickly became aware of Moore’s remarks via social media, even though she was busy on Sunday morning preparing to meet Victoria Azarenka in the women’s final, which the Belarusian won in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, to capture her second Indian Wells crown and a 19th career singles title.
