“I was just tired of losing. Life was passing me by.”

I’m Serena Williams on the court, but away I have so many different names. I call myself Butterfly.

I really hope that I can be helpful in that journey because I do believe that women deserve the same pay. We work just as hard as men do. I’ve been working, playing tennis, since I was three years old. And to be paid less just because of my sex – it doesn’t seem fair.

I don’t go there thinking I’m going to lose. I never go into a tournament thinking that. I’ll do the best that I can. I need to be at my peak and my best is holding up the trophy. Anything less I wouldn’t be really excited about. So that’s all I can focus on.

The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you’re very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all be humble.

I love who I am, and I encourage other people to love and embrace who they are. But it definitely wasn’t easy – it took me a while.

Think of all the girls who could become top athletes but quit sports because they’re afraid of having too many defined muscles and being made fun of or called unattractive.

I always believe I can beat the best, achieve the best. I always see myself in the top position.

I don’t know if I’ve had my share of drama, but I’ve definitely had my share of hard times.

I’m really exciting. I smile a lot, I win a lot, and I’m really sexy.

If you smile things will work out.

Am I the greatest? I don’t know. I’m the greatest that I can be.

I wish I could play like Roger Federer.

If anything, you know, I think losing makes me even more motivated.

You have to believe in yourself when no one else does.

I don’t have anything to prove ever, ever in my life. If I have something to prove, what does that mean for everyone else? And I think everyone should have that attitude.

I’m not one to blame anyone else for anything. And I don’t think anyone else should either.

The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.

When Life Puts You in Tough Situations, Don’t Say ‘Why Me’, Say ‘Try Me’

May your cold nights die a warm death.

Humor is most powerful thing that uses laughter as it base to chase your blues away.

No one knows how bad this hurts and I won’t tell them Cause I know I’m going to stay and I don’t feel like being judged for it.

He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything.

When God is involved, anything can happen. Be open. Stay that way. God has a beautiful way of bringing good vibrations out of broken chords.

Every time she’s fallen down, she’s gotten up stronger!