Watch: Venus breaks down while discussing fatal car crash

Venus Williams had to briefly excuse herself from the Wimbledon press room Monday after she broke down in tears addressing a recent car crash, which police said she was at fault for, that resulted in a fatality.

The incident took place June 9 in Florida. Williams is being sued by the victim's family.

The five-time Wimbledon champion opened her tournament with a 7-6 (7), 6-4 win over Elise Mertens of Belgium. It was her first competitive action since the collision. She initially attempted to talk about tennis only after the match, but was repeatedly pressed about her state of mind given the recent off-court trauma.

Williams eventually returned to the room and answered additional questions.