Novak Djokovic mends WTA bridges

Novak Djokovic made peace with Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Serena Williams and others on Wednesday, supporting equal prize money for men and women tennis players after days of controversy.

The world number one from Serbia suggested men attract more spectators and deserved better paydays in remarks Sunday after winning the Indian Wells final.

Djokovic issued an apology of sorts on social media on Tuesday but refused to back down from his remarks, leaving that for his news conference at the ATP and WTA Miami Open, where he is the top seed and defending champion. “I never had an issue with equality in gender or sport or other areas of life,” Djokovic said.

“We all deserve more of the wealth distribution from the tournaments. I feel very sorry if I hurt my female colleague tennis players. I have a huge respect for all of them,” he added.

Djokovic said he had sent messages to Andy Murray, Serena Williams and others who had been critical of his earlier remarks.

Djokovic spent 30 minutes before talking to reporters speaking with Billie Jean King and Chris Evert about his comments, saying King was not in a fiery mood after her years fighting for gender equity in prize money.