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A distraught Venus Williams has broken down in tears during a remarkable press conference at Wimbledon.
The five-time champion eased through her first-round clash against young Belgian Elise Mertens on Number One Court, but found questions about her recent involvement in a fatal car crash a far tougher proposition.
Williams gave a series of vague responses when asked about her emotional state following the incident in Florida on June 9, where a 78-year-old man died.
The man's family have filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the 37-year-old, saying his death was the result of her negligence — and the enormity of the incident was clearly playing on the mind of the usually loquacious American.
"I prepared for a lot of matches, tried to get ready for whatever my opponent will throw at you, but you can't prepare for everything," said Williams, when asked about how she was dealing with the fallout from the crash.
But when quizzed about her Facebook posting, where the former world number one detailed her sense of devastation over the man's death, Williams struggled to speak.
"There are really no words to describe, like, how devastating and … yeah. I'm completely speechless," she said before tearing up.
Williams then looked away in an attempt to compose herself, leaving the room silent for almost two minutes, before she was escorted away by an All England Club official.
The incident overshadowed Williams' 20th appearance in the first round in SW19.
The Australian Open runner-up will face China's Qiang Wang on Wednesday for a place in the third round.
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Palm Beach Gardens police said witnesses told investigators that Williams ran a red light on June 9, causing a crash that injured 78-year-old Jerome Barson, who died two weeks later.
The report said the car driven by Mr Barson's wife, Linda, crashed into the side of Williams' SUV.
Linda Barson told investigators she was approaching the intersection when her light turned green and she was unable to stop in time.
Ms Barson suffered unspecified moderate injuries. Williams was not hurt.
Williams told investigators she had entered the six-lane intersection on a green light but had been forced to stop midway by traffic ahead of her. She said she did not see the Barsons' car when she crossed into their lanes.
Palm Beach Gardens Major Paul Rogers said the crash remained under investigation. Williams, who has a residence in Palm Beach Gardens, has not been cited or charged.
The report said she was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
AAP/AP
Topics: tennis, sport, england
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