My goal in a couple of years is to try to build a successful fashion house like Armani or Versace. I want that more than anything.

I don't have anything to prove ever, ever in my life. If I have something to prove, what does that mean for everyone else? And I think everyone should have that attitude.

My mom taught me how to sew when I was super young; I used to make clothes for my dolls. When I finally went to [fashion design] school [in 1999], I really took to pattern making. Everyone in class was good at something; I was the person, if you need help with your patterns, you come to me and I would help you out.

I try not to be protected. Because I feel like you can become a little bit of a robot. That's not who I am. And I don't want to be monotone. It's important to be yourself, whatever the cost.

People see me on the court only as a superhero, grunting and winning. They think you're a robot, and I'm not.

There are people who live, breathe and dress tennis.

It's always good to get a smaller tournament under your belt so that by the time you get to the Slams, you have a lot of experience.