I don't want to be put on a pedestal. I just want to be reasonably successful and live a normal life with all the conveniences to make it so.

From 143rd Street in Harlem to the center court at Wimbledon is about as far as one can travel.

No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helped you.

The loser is always a part of the problem; the winner is always a part of the answer. The loser always has an excuse; the winner always has a program. The loser says it may be possible, but it's difficult; the winner says it may be difficult, but it's possible.

I hope that I have accomplished just one thing: that I have been a credit to tennis and my country.

I don't consciously beat the drums for any cause, not even the negro in the United States.

Being champion is all well and good, but you can't eat a crown.