“Everyone’s dream can come true if you just stick to it and work hard.”

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.