"Is anybody saying 'Venus Williams' legacy is tarnished?": Andy Roddick and Jon Wertheim use example to counteract Andy Murray retirement row

Andy Roddick and journalist Jon Wertheim see similarities between Andy Murray and Venus Williams, but that the former has been unfairly treated in recent months when his legacy being tarnished has been the mooted point with current woes on the court.

The former World No.1 lost to Tomas Machac in Marseille and was defeated the week prior by Benoit Paire in Montpellier with critics calling on Murray to call it a day due to his inability seemingly to compete at the highest level. A BBC article asked if he was tarnishing his legacy and Murray hit back and has since said that he is not willing to let go.

Roddick agrees with Murray and likened it to the situation surrounding Venus Williams who despite being in her early 40's still wants to play, still courts attention from tournament directors despite not having won a major since 2008. There are some who criticise Williams but in the main, it is amazement that she is still playing and those wanting to see her before she does inevitably retire.

"She (Venus Williams) hasn't won a Major in 15 years. You know what? She still finds fulfilment. She's not taking money off anyone's table. She still finds a satisfaction. Is anybody saying her legacy is tarnished because she hasn't won a Major in more than a decade?" said Wertheim.

Roddick replied: "Well, she also must have sold tickets that bump up the economy in that community. How far do you want to take this argument? She might have added to the pockets of thousands of people."