Losing hurts me. I was determined to be the best.

Losses are always a relief. They take a burden off me, make me feel more normal. If I win several tournaments in a row I get so confident I'm in a cloud. If I lose I go back to the dressing room and I'm no better nor worse than anyone else. A loss gets me eager again.

If you're a champion, you have to have it in your heart.

To be a tennis champion, you have to be inflexible. You have to be stubborn. You have to be arrogant. You have to be selfish and self-absorbed. Kind of tunnel vision almost.

Cats are peaceful and tranquil - they bring calmness with their serene personalities.

I wanted always to appear strong and in control . . . .Then the cookie began to crumble.

You can't give up! If you give up, you're like everybody else.