“Once you reach a good level in tennis it fills you with a lot of motivation. I hope I can do it for a long time.”

I am a sucker for those old traditional places, and Rome is as good as it gets, particularly when you throw in Italian food.

My game is a lot about footwork. If I move well, I play well.

My family is the thing I miss most on the tour.

I always knew I had something special.

Confidence? Are you kidding me? I mean, please. Look, some players grow up and play like that. I remember losing junior matches. Just being down 5-2 in the third, and they all just start slapping shots.

It is always in my mind still that I can crush anybody. That’s not an issue. But I think that is the same for most athletes. If you don’t believe you can win tournaments anymore, then you can’t do it.

You always want to win. That is why you play tennis, because you love the sport and try to be the best you can at it.

I always had the dream that, once I became No 1 in the world, that if I had a child I hoped I would have it early enough so the child can see me playing.

I have a very strong opinion. I’m absolutely against it. I’m against the challenge system. I’m for the way it is right now. Don’t change that.

I have learnt to be even more patient.

I am thinking more and more about what I want to and can do after my days as an active athlete. Thoughts like family and marriage also cross my mind more and more often.

One or two years ago, I didn’t know who I was on court and I used to swear a lot. But now I’ve learned how to cope and can therefore win 10 matches in a row. I want to be remembered as a good player rather than an idiot on court.

I’m playing great tennis. I’m enjoying the tour, having fun with the fans off the court. I’m loving it now.

I’m proud to be a symbol like the army knife or the mountains.

The nicer the point, the more — the better I feel, the more excited I get. But I never play that my opponent looks stupid. I think that is wrong. I have too much respect for every opponent I play.

What I think I’ve been able to do well over the years is play with pain, play with problems, play in all sorts of conditions.

Remember that almost everything looks better after a good night’s sleep.

That’s how it is with the English: if you score against them you’re a good player; if you don’t, you’re not.

I am still here because I like to prove myself. I still like to ride the bike on track and enjoy the races. I still have good reasons to be in racing after so many years.

Fathers should endeavor to prove that good men still exist by teaching their daughters how a woman should be treated through leading by example.

There’s no need to be fearful of me. I am involved in the welfare of people and giving them good governance.

My shoulder’s not where I want it to be, but I’m doing a good job of monitoring it.

Good character is more to be praised than outstanding talent. Most talents are, to some extent, a gift. Good character, by contrast, is not given to us. We have to build it, piece by piece – by thought, choice, courage, and determination.

Vegetarian food is actually good for the body.