LONDON -- Venus Williams was overcome with emotions during her postmatch news conference Monday, following a 7-6 (7), 6-4 win over Elise Mertens in the opening round at Wimbledon.
Asked whether she would like to expand on her feelings about a car crash last month that resulted in the death of a 78-year-old Florida man, Williams' eyes welled up after a quick response and she walked away.
"There are really no words to describe, like, how devastating and -- yeah," Williams said. "I'm completely speechless. It's just -- yeah, I mean, I'm just ..."
Williams sat silently, her face in the palm of her hands as she tried to regroup. Moments later, Williams whispered, "Maybe I should go," and left the media room.
She later returned to answer a few more questions.
Williams, 37, was not injured in the June 9 crash; police in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, found her at fault for the accident. Jerome Barson, the passenger in the other car, died 13 days after the crash. His family has opened a wrongful death lawsuit against Williams.
On Friday, Williams released a brief statement on Facebook about the crash.
"I am devastated and heartbroken by this accident," Williams wrote. "My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Jerome Barson and I continue to keep them in my thoughts and prayers."
Playing in her 20th Wimbledon, Williams needed five match points to win Monday. She next plays Wang Qiang in Wednesday's second-round match.