Recently, Indian Wells CEO Raymond Moore made some truly disgusting comments about the Women’s Tennis Association. Moore said that women “ride on the coattails of men,” adding:
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“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. They really have.”
He continued to spew sexist comments by saying that not only are female tennis players competitively attractive, but physically attractive, as if a woman’s physical attractiveness has something to do with how she plays.
Following the BNP Paribas Open, Serena Williams responded to Moore’s comments in a post-match press conference. When a reporter asked if it’s possible that Moore’s comments could have been misinterpreted, Williams stated:
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“Well, if you read the transcript you can only interpret it one way. I speak very good English. I’m sure he does, too. You know, there’s only one way to interpret that. Get on your knees, which is offensive enough, and thank a man, which is not — we, as women, have come a long way. We shouldn’t have to drop to our knees at any point.”
Williams continued by expressing her surprise that comments like those were being made in 2016 when women are often surpassing the men.
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“Last year, the women’s final at the US Open sold out well before the men. I’m sorry, did Roger play in that final or Rafa or any man play in that final that was sold out before the women’s final? I think not.”
Moore eventually apologized for his comments.