When you get told that you have a disease, it's like: 'Really? Nah, it's all right. I don't believe that. It must be something else, I'm just making an excuse, let me push harder.'
— Venus Williams
You have to do things right to stay in business, and that's not easy, and that's a choice on a daily basis, the choices you make in how to run your business and how to have a point of differentiation and how to be true to your brand, how to offer something that people want and to offer something that you love.
I've learned you can always achieve more than you thought you could. There are moments when I've walked off the court, and I'm like, 'I don't know how I won that match.' It was actually impossible, but it happened, and then you realize that you can push yourself much further than you ever thought, and you can make the impossible happen.
The first rounds of a tournament are always tricky because playing tennis takes a lot out of you.
Early in the morning, it's super tough for me to eat right away, but I still need energy for practice. I try to start out with a protein smoothie, a green juice, or some sort of fruit.
I don't think anyone wants to look in the mirror and say, 'I'm anti-woman.' They don't see themselves that way, and you can't treat them that way. But you have to tell the truth.
I have been playing tennis for a very long time. Tennis is my life. I see my life in other places, and there are other challenges for me.
That's what you feel as an athlete. Pretty much our job is to make the impossible happen every day. It's like magic, you know. I like that.
I eat lots of vegetables and green juices.
Athletes, like everyone else, at times take supplements but just have to consult your doctors and work on that. It's a process, but it's achievable... It's my job to be healthy.
I had skate wing in London. I had mine grilled with lemon and herbs, and it was the perfect seasoning for that fish.
I do expect a lot from myself, but it's also a balance of being... positive and also pushing yourself.
Self-doubt is real. Everyone has it. Having confidence and losing confidence is real, too, and everyone has been in that position.
My family is the most important thing to me because they're always there for me when times are down.
No matter who you are, the grass is never greener on the other side.
As an athlete and as a woman, I get my confidence from playing sports because it shifts your focus from what your body looks like to what your body can do for you. That's what we all should be doing. It shouldn't be about looking perfect.
I always show up to the office sweaty! I'll come in between workouts in a tennis skirt drenched in sweat. The only time that I actually look presentable is at meetings.
I spent my whole life playing sports and training and pushing myself to the limits.
You have to prove that you know what you're doing. You have to have longevity. You have to stay around.
Win pretty, win ugly, just win.
My dad loves to eat, and he loves everything I make!
Losing is no fun no matter who you lose to.
I have always said that after sport, I wanted a life, I wanted an opportunity, I wanted to be able to do something. And if something happens - the economy falls out or the dollar is worthless, anything could happen - you have to be ready to work. And I'm ready.
I want to get better. Every time you lose, you learn from it, and after every win, you look to building on the tempo.
In life, there is no such thing as impossible; it's always possible.
Tennis is definitely a star for women in sports.
I try to get in some extra carbohydrates and protein the night before and during my pre-match meal. I also eat about 200 calories right after to help rebuild my muscles.
Ruth's Chris is my favorite restaurant, and I always order the rib eye, medium-rare.
I want to know that I gave my 100 percent, and even if it doesn't work, you know that you gave everything, and you don't have to look at it and say... I could have gave more - that would break my heart.
Just know what's inside your food.
I'm always in search for perfection. If it's not perfect, I'm back to the drawing board.
I never count calories. Counting calories is stressful and intimidating, so I avoid it! I know that if I'm eating something that's a treat, I don't need to count it because I mostly eat healthy and am conscious of what I'm putting in my body.
Everyone is always working on their body and trying to make it the best that they possibly can. That's what I do every single day, mostly for performance, but also just for me.
I have a lot of good role models in my family for things off the court - like my older sister, who's a lawyer. I don't like writing papers, but she's helped me a lot. It's nice to have an art and business background because they tie together perfectly.
After almost 30 years of playing this sport, I've learned something. I've learned that, no matter what happens, or happened... or where you are, or where you've been... at the end of the day: tennis is tennis. It's always, always tennis. And there's nothing better.
The most challenging thing is people do see me as a tennis player, but I've had a lot of opportunities because I am a tennis player. And I don't mind that.
You win with your feet. It looks easy, and it's not.
After working so hard on the court, I find that snacks help me avoid late-afternoon energy lows.
When you're a big sister, it's a great job. I don't know how little sisters feel about their job, but when you're a big sister, you're supposed to take care of everything. And you feel good about it. I do.
One who is persistent will excel.
India has a very good tradition in tennis.
Set realistic goals, keep re-evaluating, and be consistent.
As long as we set up equality, we'll go in the right direction.
I love the food in Thailand because of the exotic spices they use. Their style of cooking is unique to their culture and always amazing.
Understanding that being nervous, having doubts and lacking confidence are emotions that are human is how you deal with it. It is okay to feel that way... and then understanding that you can work through it.
I don't even know what my favourite food is anymore, as they are all such bad foods!
Life's a challenge, but that's the best part.
You have to let fear go. Another lesson is you just have to believe in yourself; you just have to. There's no way around it. No matter how things are stacked against you, you just have to every time.
Women's tennis has been around for a very long time - we're talking about the 1800s. But women's soccer hasn't had such a long history, so now they're right at the beginning of really trying to make things equal. We need to continue not only to advocate for women but to have men advocating for women.
No one goes into the office for fun. You go, and even if you love it, you're there to work.
