Some folks call tennis a rich people's sport or a white person's game. I guess I started too early because I just thought it was something fun to do. Later, I discovered there was a lot of work to being good in tennis. You've got to make a lot of sacrifices and spend a lot of time if you really want to achieve with this sport, or in any sport, or in anything truly worthwhile.

Always have the situation under control, even if losing. Never betray an inward sense of defeat.

I don't care who you are, you're going to choke in certain matches. You get to a point where your legs don't move and you can't take a deep breath. You start to hit the ball about a yard wide, instead of inches.

My potential is more than can be expressed within the bounds of my race or ethnic identity.

I have tried to keep on with my striving because this is the only hope I have of ever achieving anything worthwhile and lasting.

I guess I started too early because I just thought it was something fun to do.

There is a terrific apprehension among some people that blacks will take over the sport... It will create problems because their behavior, speech and dress is just a completely different culture.