I have always drawn strength from being close to home.

The world over - 50 million children start playing tennis, 5 million learn to play tennis, 500,000 learn professional tennis, 50,000 come to the circuit, 5000 reach the grand slam, 50 reach Wimbledon, 4 to semi final, 2 to the finals, when I was holding a cup I never asked GOD 'Why me?'. And today in pain I should not be asking GOD 'Why me?'

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

I have always drawn strength from being close to home.

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.

You come to realize that life is short, and you have to step up. Don't feel sorry for me. Much is expected of those who are strong.

Trust has to be earned, and should come only after the passage of time.