Serena Williams Tennis star

Serena Williams has come a long way since her childhood days of practicing tennis at neighborhood parks in a Los Angeles suburb. On September 28, she and her sister Venus won a gold medal at the Olympic women's doubles tennis competition in Sydney, Australia. 'I've seen it many a time on TV when I was younger, and just to be here now and have this opportunity is a great feeling for me,' she said after receiving her medal. The tennis star recently talked to TFK about her life, both on and off the court.
 

Serena Williams (right) and her sister Venus proudly show off their Olympic gold medals in Sydney, Australia.

TFK:What do you like most about tennis?
Serena: You can travel a lot, and you get to meet a lot of different people. I like to play. It's what I like to do.

TFK:What have you learned about your game during your years in women's tennis?
Serena: I've learned a lot. I learned I could actually be the best player out there if I worked harder. I have to play a few more tournaments.

TFK:Has your relationship with your sister Venus changed at all since you've become competitors?
Serena: No, not at all. We still get along great. I don't see how it could change at all. We really don't discuss tennis too much.

TFK:How is your game different from Venus's?
Serena: I don't know. Really, we both have similar games. We're both tough competitors. It's hard to say.

TFK:You have three other sisters. Do they also play tennis?
Serena: On a recreational basis. They like tennis, too.

TFK:What is it like to have your father as your manager?
Serena: My dad has always been right, and I have confidence in him.

TFK:Outside of sports, you like to play the guitar. What kinds of songs do you play?
Serena: I usually play covers (other peoples' songs): Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, stuff like that. I also make up my own things.

TFK:Do you have any pets?
Serena: Yes, I have a little Jack Russell Terrier, Jackie, and I have another dog; her name is Star. Venus has a dog, too. He's a Yorkshire.

TFK:What's your favorite food?
Serena: Chinese

TFK:What's your favorite book?
Serena: Harry Potter. I love those books. I can't wait for the next one. It's just a good book.

TFK:When you visit schools, what do you want kids to know?
Serena: I like to stress the importance of education, especially (if you're) in sports, because you never know what could happen. Family is always important also.

TFK:Tennis keeps you very busy. Ever wish you could spend your teen years differently?
Serena: No. I have the opportunity of a lifetime. People would give their left arm to have this opportunity. I have it, I want it, and I take my opportunity.