Venus at breaking point over accident
VENUS WILLIAMS broke down in tears and cut short her press conference after being asked about the fatal car crash she was involved in last month.
The five-times champion had appeared to put the torment of the Florida road accident behind her as she despatched Belgian Elise Mertens 7-6 6-4 on Court One.
She had posted a heartfelt message on her Facebook page concerning the incident in which 78-year-old Jerome Barson died.
But when Williams was asked to expand on her written words yesterday, it all got too much.
She said: “There are really no words to describe, like, how devastating. I’m completely speechless. It’s just, I mean, I’m just...”
With the 37-year-old clearly emotional, an All England official intervened saying: “Before we take any further questions for Venus, please be aware she’s unable to say anything more about this, so I’d ask you to respect her wishes.
Injuries
“Can we just give her a minute, please?”
He then asked Williams: “Do you want to take a minute outside? Shall we?”
The American accepted the offer, saying: “Maybe I should go,” before leaving.
Civil court documents filed last week claim Williams was “driving carelessly and recklessly” which “led to the catastrophic injuries and death of Jerome Barson”.
Writing on her Facebook page, Williams said: “I am devastated and heartbroken by this accident.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Jerome Barson and I continue to keep them in my thoughts and prayers.”
With younger sister Serena expecting her first child and not defending her title, Venus is flying the Williams flag alone and during the match seemed focused and committed.
Exploiting Mertens’ anxiety, she broke early but then errors crept in and she was taken to a tie-break which she won 9-7 on her fourth set point.
Williams’ confidence grew as the match wore on and after a half-hour rain break, she closed out to keep her dream of a sixth title alive on her 20th visit to SW19.
“I never thought I’d play that many,” she added. “But I’m grateful to be here and to play.”