Wimbledon 2017: Venus Williams cries about crash in which man died

Venus Williams broke down in tears as she was questioned by reporters about a Florida car crash in which a man died.

Williams could face a wrongful death lawsuit from the family of the man, after she was accused by police of being at fault for the collision.

The 37-year-old spoke after a 7-6 (9-7) 6-4 win over Elise Mertens in the first round at Wimbledon.

On the crash, Williams said: "There are no words to describe how devastating [it is]. I'm completely speechless."

She then began crying, and left the room to compose herself before returning to answer another couple of questions on the match.

The collision, which happened on 9 June, caused the death of Jerome Barson, 78.

Earlier in the news conference, Williams said: "Tennis is still the love of my life. It gives me joy.

"Life, you can't prepare for everything. 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.

"I have no idea what tomorrow will bring. That's all I can say about it. That's what I've learned."

Williams, a five-time singles champion at Wimbledon, needed five set points before taking the first set against Mertens, the 21-year-old Belgian.

A rain delay on Court One then halted the progress of the American 10th seed after Mertens saved two match points.

Mertens, playing her first Wimbledon, held and saved a further two match points before Williams produced an emphatic shot to secure victory.