Athlete

I was fortunate to have people like Althea Gibson come and speak to me, also Leslie Allen and Arthur Ashe. So I feel obligated, part of my duty, to continue to pass on the knowledge I've learned to youngsters and adults alike.

I think tennis is very different than most of the other sports when you have the opportunity to go pro. For me, it was pretty simple. Tennis was always an individual sport, and your direct results determined where you could go and what you could do.

Changing the dialogue and behaviors around race and equality in sports starts with removing barriers and creating opportunities.

My role at the USTA allows me to fulfill my ambition to open up opportunities for people to play tennis that may not otherwise have a chance or an outlet to play.

Serena Williams is the greatest tennis player of all time, the greatest female athlete of all time, the greatest athlete of all time.

A new sport is being created every day in the U.S.

A bad toss is one of the most common causes of a bad serve, and most tosses are bad because players release the ball too soon, flick their wrists, or both.

My parents have been unbelievable. Obviously, without them, I wouldn't be where I am.

In college, you become truly independent; your discipline is honed. It has to be there for your studies. It helped make me who I am, and it increased my determination to be the best I could be.

I grew up in the USTA's junior circuit.

If you get into the main draw of a Grand Slam, then you've made your mark and proved that's where you belong.

Northwestern was never known as a sports school. I was proud to add a national title to the school.

Serena Williams is the ultimate champion. She knows what it takes to get to the top.

As athletes, the biggest asset that we bring to the workplace is our work ethic, our confidence, our never-say-die attitude. We're about winning.

I was the ultimate tomboy because my oldest brother used to always beat up on me and wrestle and make sure I was engaged in sports, because I was his excuse to be able to go hang out with his friends.

Few players hit the swinging forehand volley as often, or as well, as Maria Sharapova.

Someone had to lend me a hand or two to pull me forward. I feel it's my duty to make sure I do the same.

I was throwing a spiral football at 6.

My parents raised me that way: to appreciate what I have and pass it along to others.

With Venus and Serena and their ascension - and you had a lot of kids that saw them and wanted to be like them - it's like any sport, any major athlete, like Michael Jordan in basketball: everybody wanted to be like Mike.