Quotes

I'm afraid I'm already a shopaholic. Fortunately, I'm no longer in denial, and the first step to recovering is getting out of denial.

I've always said that I'm insatiable.

I could lose 20 pounds and I'm still going to have these knockers and I'm going to have this ass, and that's just the way it is.

addressing her fitness level after winning the 2007 Australian Open

You never fail if you try. You only fail if you don't try. Go out there and try whatever you are dreaming of!

For all their practice, preparation and confidence, even the best competitors in every sport have a voice of doubt inside them that says they are not good enough. I am lucky that whatever fear I have inside me, my desire to win is always stronger.

[observation, 2015, on addressing a bad on-court experience she had suffered many years before] I'm fortunate to be at a point in my career where I have nothing to prove. I'm still as driven as ever, but the ride is a little easier. I play for the love of the game. And it is with that love in mind, and a new understanding of the true meaning of forgiveness that I will proudly return to Indian Wells in 2015.

[ to interviewer, 2015] You don't understand me. I'm just about winning.

[a letter to her baby still in her womb]My Dearest Baby, You gave me the strength I didn't know I had. You taught me the true meaning of serenity and peace. I can't wait to meet you. I can't wait for you to join the players box next year. But most importantly, I am so happy to share being number one in the world with you. From the world's oldest number one to the world's youngest number one. -Your Mommy

[to John McEnroe who claimed she would rank 700th in the world of men's tennis] I adore and respect you, but please please keep me out of your statements that are not factually based.

My sister and I boycotted Indian Wells for 14 years due to a separate, unfortunate experience. But when I did return in 2015 I saw so many people - young kids, young black girls - so excited to see me. One girl was holding up a sign that read STRAIGHT OUT OF COMPTON - that's where my sister and I first learned to play tennis. To see that little girl having the dream to play tennis too was incredible. In that moment, I realized my presence there was helping people. I was able to embrace that moment and fully appreciate it.

[on her friend Meghan Markle's interview in Oprah with Meghan and Harry: A CBS Primetime Special (2021)] She teaches me every day what it means to be truly noble. Her words illustrate the pain and cruelty she's experienced. I know firsthand the sexism and racism institutions and the media use to vilify women and people of color to minimize us, to break us down and demonize us. We must recognize our obligation to decry malicious, unfounded gossip and tabloid journalism. The mental health consequences of systemic oppression and victimization are devastating, isolating and all too often lethal. [March 2021]