The WTA has said that it is the "right decision" for Raymond Moore to step down from his role as the tournament director of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

Moore has been heavily criticised after claiming that women's tennis "rides on the coattails" of the men's game and saying that female players should "go down every night on [their] knees and thank God that Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal were born".

The 69-year-old resigned from his role earlier today in the wake of the storm that followed his comments, and WTA chief executive Steve Simon has welcomed the decision.

"Raymond Moore has taken full responsibility for the unacceptable comments he has made. It is the right decision for him to step down," read a statement from Simon.

"The BNP Paribas Open has supported the payment of equal prize money to all players since 2009. The WTA looks forward to working with Mr Ellison and the Indian Wells team on continued efforts in making the sport better and equal for all players."

While many have condemned Moore's comments, five-time Indian Wells champion Novak Djokovic recently stated his belief that men should be paid more than women.