Serena Speaks Her Mind

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
May 12, 2009

Serena Speaks Her Mind

We love Serena Williams. Really, we do. First for the fearless tennis that has enabled her to win 10 Grand Slam singles titles, including two of the last three. But also for her remarks, which while not always filled with grace, are at least candid. Earlier this month Williams was asked about ascent of Dinara Safina to the top spot in the WTA rankings. Responded Williams: ''We all know who the real No. 1 is. ... Quite frankly, I'm the best in the world.'' It was just the latest in a series of remarks that would have most have most PR experts doing spit takes ...

''Unfortunately it doesn't matter if you're injured, if you're dead or if you're alive, if you don't play they're going to fine you heavily. So I have to play whether I am injured or not. That's just how it is so I have no choice.'' -- Speaking out in May 2009 against the WTA Tour injuries policy.

''I think she made a lot of lucky shots and I made a lot of errors.'' -- Williams after losing to Justine Henin in the quarterfinals of the 2007 U.S. Open.

serena-williams-2007%282%29.jpg — Joe Klamar/AFP/Getty Images

''Definitely not 100 percent at all. ... It was probably at 40 or 50 -- max. If I had been healthy I think I would have won, 100 percent.'' -- Following still another quarterfinal loss to Henin, this time at Wimbledon in 2007.

''I'm definitely not at my best. Honestly, I'm under 50 percent. But I've won stuff under 50 percent before.'' -- Rogers Cup, August 2005

''She just speaks her mind. I guess it has a little bit to do with not having a formal education. But you just have to think more ... use your brain a little more in the tennis world.'' -- Williams when asked about remarks made by her rival, Martina Hingis, at the 1999 U.S. Open.

''She wasn't tough to play. I shot myself in the foot. I definitely won that match.'' -- After losing to Lindsay Davenport in Los Angeles in 2004.

''I'm definitely in better shape than I get credit for. [It's] just because I have large bosoms and I have a big ass. ... I think if I were not to eat for two years, I still wouldn't be a size 2. We're living in the Mary-Kate Olsen world. I'm just not built that way. I'm bootylicious.'' -- Asked about her physique following her Australian Open title in 2007.

''I have started to realize that I am really just a world athlete and a world entertainer -- I am a world-known person, I am a global icon.'' -- Speaking to the Khaleej Times in Dubai, March 2005.