Serena Williams

But these days, if I have to choose between building my tennis résumé and building my family, I choose the latter.

I never wanted to have to choose between tennis and a family. I don't think it's fair. If I were a guy, I wouldn't be writing this because I'd be out there playing and winning while my wife was doing the physical labor of expanding our family.

I love to entertain. I'm not sure every player sees it that way, but I love the performance aspect of it—to be able to entertain people week after week. Some of the happiest times in my life were spent waiting in that hallway in Melbourne, and walking out into Rod Laver Arena with my earphones in and trying to stay focused and drown out the noise but still feeling the energy of the crowd.

I have never liked the word retirement. It doesn't feel like a modern word to me. I've been thinking of this as a transition, but I want to be sensitive about how I use that word, which means something very specific and important to a community of people. Maybe the best word to describe what I'm up to is evolution. I'm here to tell you that I'm evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me.

I wouldn’t change anything about myself. If you asked me 20 years ago, I probably would have had a long list. But I’ve learned to appreciate and love who I am.

I don’t think about my greatest fear.

Oh, I am not thinking about that yet.

Taking time every day to read the Bible.

I cry a lot, so the last time was no big moment.

A veterinarian.

Like you can do anything.

Any lost match is, of course, disappointing, but every loss is a lesson to be learned.

My mom and dad. They always encouraged me to keep spiritual things first.