World number one Novak Djokovic has apologised for his comments suggesting tennis’s top men should get paid more than women after he drew criticism from current and former players.

Djokovic told reporters at the Indian Wells tournament that he felt the men’s tour should “fight for more” money because their matches drew more spectators.

The Serbian’s comments followed inflammatory remarks by the tournament director Raymond Moore who suggested the women’s tour had ridden on the ‘coat tails’ of the men’s game.

Moore has since resigned.

Djokovic attempted to hose down the controversy in an open letter on Facebook but stopped short of saying he advocated equal pay for men and women in tennis.

“As you may have seen, I was asked to comment on a controversy that wasn’t of my making,” said Djokovic.

“Euphoria and adrenalin after the win on Sunday got the best of me and I’ve made some comments that are not the best articulation of my view, and I would like to clarify them.

“Tennis helped me so much in my life and being where I am today, I felt the need to speak about the fairer and better distribution of funds across the board – for both men and women.

“This was never meant to be made into a fight between genders and differences in pay, but in the way all players are rewarded for their effort.

“This was my view all along and I want to apologise to anyone who has taken this the wrong way.”