Billie Jean King

Ever since that day when I was 11 years old, and I wasn't allowed in a photo because I wasn't wearing a tennis skirt, I knew that I wanted to change the sport.

Tennis taught me so many lessons in life. One of the things it taught me is that every ball that comes to me, I have to make a decision. I have to accept responsibility for the consequences every time I hit a ball.

A champion is afraid of losing. Everyone else is afraid of winning.

Natural talent only determines the limits of your athletic potential. It's dedication and a willingness to discipline your life that makes you great.

I feel that tennis is an art form that is capable of moving the players and the audience - at least a knowledgeable audience-in almost sensual ways. When I'm performing at my absolute best, I think that some of the euphoria I feel must be transmitted to the audience.

I like putting money back into what made my life, and tennis has been great to me.

Be bold. If you're going to make an error, make a doozy, and don't be afraid to hit the ball.

I love to promote our sport. I love grass-roots tennis. I love coaching. I love all parts of the sport. I love the business side.

It is very hard to be a female leader. While it is assumed that any man, no matter how tough, has a soft side... and female leader is assumed to be one-dimensional.

I used to be told if I talked about my sexuality in any way that we wouldn't have a tennis tour.

It's really impossible for athletes to grow up. On the one hand, you're still a child, still playing a game. But on the other hand, you're a superhuman hero that everyone dreams of being. No wonder we have such a hard time understanding who we are.

You have got to want to be the best before you can even begin to reach for that goal, and you have got to be prepared to sacrifice a lot to get there.

Martina's gone with people who don't want to be out, and it drives her crazy because she'd rather be open.

Champions keep playing until they get it right.

When we reach the point where the women athletes are getting their pick of dates just as easily as the men athletes, then we've really and truly arrived. Parity at last!

That is where the power, opportunity, and choice come from-when you have money. Money equals opportunity. There is no question.

I would just never out anybody. I think everyone has to find it in their own way and their own time.

They're not put on earth to be martyrs; they have to want to come out. It depends on your culture, where you work, where you live. Each person's circumstances are unique.

It's fun to meet people from throughout the world who you don't have to explain yourself to.

Women get the attention when we get into the men's arena, and that's sad.

Winning is very tangible, it's very exciting, it's very pleasing, but it's momentary. If you can do things that last, that each generation can build upon, then that's when you're cooking.