“There is a terrific apprehension among some people that blacks will take over the sport... It will create problems because their behavior, speech and dress is just a completely different culture.”
“Regardless of how you feel inside, always try to look like a winner.”
“The best way to judge a life is to ask yourself, "Did I make the best use of the time I had?”
“Start where you are, use what you have.”
“Life is like a tennis game. You can't win without serving.”
“I have always drawn strength from being close to home.”
“You've got to make a lot of sacrifices and spend a lot of time if you really want to achieve with this sport, or in any sport, or in anything truly worthwhile.”
“I don't want to be remembered for my tennis accomplishments.”
“I take the good with the bad, and I try to face them both with as much calm and dignity as I can muster.”
“My potential is more than can be expressed within the bounds of my race or ethnic identity.”
“Racism is not an excuse to not do the best you can.”
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
“There is a syndrome in sports called 'paralysis by analysis.'”
“One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.”
“Wherever I am when you feel sick at heart and weary of life, or when you stumble and fall and don’t know if you can get up again, think of me. I will be watching and smiling and cheering you on.”
“When we were together, I loved you deeply and you gave me so much happiness I can never repay you.”
