"Has earned the right to play": Roddick dispels criticism of Venus Williams continuing to play at 43

Retired American tennis star Andy Roddick has no problem with Venus Williams still competing on the WTA circuit at the age of 43.

Williams defeated Camila Giorgi in a three-hour epic at the Birmingham Classic this week, defying her age and match rust as she dug deep to battle past the Italian. The win marked Williams' first top-50 victory in almost four years.

In an appearance on The Tennis Channel, Roddick denounced any critics who questioned Williams' decision to keep playing. Furthermore, stated players like Williams and Andy Murray have earned the right to play as long as they wanted to, and expressed admiration for Williams after her recent victory against Giorgi.

"Anyone who says oh they shouldn’t be playing anymore, just shut it," said Roddick. "Venus has earned every right to play. Andy Murray has earned every single right to play. They are the greats for a reason. They’re not competing against their own shadow at this point. They’re competing for those moments of accomplishment and we saw that with Venus. How relieved she was, how satisfied she was with herself after that. Rightfully so."

Although Roddick did express concern for Williams' injured knee, he encouraged the seven-time Grand Slam champion to focus on victory.

"On the slower surfaces, I think she has a tough time moving in and out of the courts," he added. "But she can still create pace. That serve looked amazing today. I am curious to see how that knee is going to hold up. The conversation starts becoming listen ‘do I do I push it here or do I save it for Wimbledon?’ But none of that matters tonight. Enjoy the victory Venus, you deserved it. It was so much fun to watch. I loved it."