“Tennis has never been the most important thing in my life. My family, my health, my happiness...they are more important to me. On court, I want to win. Off court, I want to be a better person. Tennis is a path to my future.”

“I’m not the next anyone, I’m the first Maria Sharapova.”

“I don’t have to follow any special diet or count calories. I try to eat healthily and before a match I load up on pasta and salads. But I pretty much do what I want.”

“People always ask about young people like me being forced into things. I play tennis because I love it. I think Russians might be tougher than other people. When I arrived in America I was young, but I already knew what I wanted. I think that when you start from nothing, when you come from nothing, it makes you hungry. I am proud of where I came from and I know what I want. I want to win.”

“When I come into a tournament, I’m expecting to win. That’s my philosophy. I can’t go to a tournament thinking, 'I’m going to get my ass kicked today, so I might as well leave.'”

“I’m just like every other girl who likes to shop, likes to look good, likes to spend time with friends.”

“My next goal is to be number one in the world.”

“I never think about the numbers. I’ve never played tennis for the money, because as long as I enjoy it, and I can achieve anything, then the money will come. I know that things will start coming up, many more people will want to start getting involved. But I just want to keep my head cool, and I want to leave (business) to the people who take care of business. I just go out and I just play tennis.”

“When I make commitments I like to stick to them, especially when I’m giving back to kids. Just giving them an example of what they can achieve. I love giving back to kids. It’s fantastic.”

“I learned English in one month. I told myself I should listen. In the next month I could talk to everyone. I was so happy because I could do one thing...I could talk.”

“I’ve been playing against older and stronger competition my whole life. It has made me a better tennis player and able to play against this kind of level despite their strength and experience.”

“A great tennis career is something that a 15-year-old normally doesn’t have. I hope my example helps other teens believe they can accomplish things they never thought possible.”

“I don’t follow other players or the tournaments they play. I have my own schedule and do my own thing. I never really think, 'Oh, I want to be or play like so-and-so.' I just like being myself.”

“I know that if I play my best, no one can stop me. In March 2002 I played Monica Seles. Although I lost, it was a great moment. It showed I could really compete against her. I want all the bests—to win Grand Slams, to be number one in the world.”