Roddick responds to criticism surrounding Venus Williams' ranking amid Wimbledon wildcard: "She's won that tournament five times and adds value"

Former World No.1 Andy Roddick has come to the defense of Venus Williams, who has been under fire from critics as they believe she is undeserving of a wildcard entry to the 2023 Wimbledon Championships.

Williams, who had been out of action since January, has seen her ranking drop outside of the top 600. The 43-year old has been hampered with injuries over the past year, which has seen her victories on the WTA circuit few and far-between.

Nonetheless, the five-time champion was granted a wildcard entry to this year's Wimbledon event, which did not sit well with some fans. Many believed the position should have gone to a younger or higher-ranked player, and claimed there was bias in distributing the wildcard entries.

However, Roddick was quick to chime in, stating that the American icon had won the title on five occasions and deserved her entry.

"Because she’s won that tournament 5 times, adds value to the tournament, and is Venus Williams," wrote Roddick on Twitter.

Williams did not compete at Wimbledon last year, but has accumulated a 90-18 record at the event.