Tennis legend and pioneer in fighting for women's equality in sports, winning 39 Grand Slam titles.
We are close to a tipping point where women's sports will be the norm, not the exception. I saw the beginning of this journey and believe in its continuation.
The greatest athletes understand they play for people who haven't yet been born. That gives meaning to every move.
I leave behind not just records of victories, but a changed attitude toward women in sports. That is my real victory.
Equality is not charity. Equality is what every person deserves by right. I always fought not for mercy, but for equality.
I wasn't afraid to lose because I knew each defeat was a step toward victory. Women must have the right to take risks and make mistakes.
Every match was a fight for something bigger than just winning. I played for every girl who would one day discover tennis.
I discovered tennis at age eleven and fell in love with the sport immediately. I knew I wanted to make women's lives better through sports.