"Novak Djokovic needs a daughter...he was talking about our period" - When Billie Jean King took offense to Serb's 'antiquated' comments on wage gap
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic's stance on equal pay in tennis once offended American tennis icon Billie Jean King.
Djokovic raised eyebrows by suggesting male tennis players should be paid more than their female counterparts, as they brought in higher viewership. He made these remarks after winning the title at the 2016 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
Afterwards, the Serb received criticism from many well-known names in tennis, including Andy Murray, Chris Evert and Billie Jean King. King addressed the media during the Miami Masters that year, suggesting that Novak Djokovic should have a daughter to better understand why his remarks were inappropriate.
"You have to understand his culture. And guess what? He's had a son born into his life. He needs a daughter born. I think Murray even mentioned that. If you have a daughter, let's talk. Murray and Wawrinka had a daughter first," King said.
"Children just are such huge influencers. It's amazing. My prayer is that everyone have -- I would pray that most of the guys have daughters, to be honest, because I think it changes you," she added.
Billie Jean King continued:
"You can talk about why the guys are stronger and bigger and faster, because of the androgens. You can talk about that part, but not the other. He was talking about our monthly situation; period. I'm like, Oh, my God, that's so antiquated. Dark ages."
In September 2017, Djokovic and his wife Jelena welcomed their daughter, Tara, three years after their son, Stefan, was born.
A detailed look into Novak Djokovic's controversial remarks on equal pay
In 2016, Raymond Moore, who was the CEO of the Indian Wells Masters, sparked controversy by suggesting that female tennis players should be grateful to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for carrying the sport.
After winning the first leg of the Sunshine Double by defeating Milos Raonic in the final, Djokovic was asked about Moore's comments during a press conference. His response further complicated the situation.
"Women deserve respect and admiration for what they are doing. You know, equal prize money was the main subject of the tennis world in the last seven, eight years. They fought for what they deserve and they got it," Djokovic said (via The Guardian).
"On the other hand I think that our men’s tennis world, ATP world, should fight for more because the stats are showing that we have much more spectators on the men’s tennis matches. I think that’s one of the reasons why maybe we should get awarded more. Women should fight for what they think they deserve and we should fight for what we think we deserve," he added.
The 24-time Major champion then commented on the difference between male and female bodies, adding fuel to the fire:
"I have tremendous respect for what women in global sport are doing and achieving. Their bodies are much different to men’s bodies. They have to go through a lot of different things that we don’t have to go through. You know, the hormones and different stuff, we don’t need to go into details."
"I have great admiration and respect for them to be able to fight on such a high level. Many of them have to sacrifice for certain periods of time. I have had a woman that was my coach and that was a huge part of my tennis career. I’m surrounded by women. I’m very happy to be married with one and to have a child. I’m completely for women power," he continued.