Serena Williams and the Quotes We Got Wrong

Serena Williams is one of the most iconic athletes of our time — a force on and off the court, known for her fierce determination, eloquence, and unapologetic authenticity. Over the years, countless quotes have been attributed to her, many of which she never actually said. In this article, I’ll walk you through some of the most commonly misattributed quotes, and help separate what Serena really said from what the internet decided she did.

## “I’ve had to learn to fight all my life — got to learn to keep going.”

This quote appears across social media and motivational posters, often tied to Serena’s name. But here's the thing: there’s no verified source or recorded interview where Serena Williams has said this exact phrase.

What she has said, however, is just as powerful. In a 2018 Vogue interview, she reflected on the challenges she faced throughout her career:
"I’ve been through so much, and I’ve always come back stronger. That’s who I am. I don’t give up."
It’s this kind of resilience that the viral quote tries to capture — but it's a paraphrase at best, not a direct quote.

## “A woman’s greatest asset is her confidence.”

This one circulates widely as a quote from Serena, often used in articles about self-esteem and empowerment. But again, there’s no record of her ever saying or writing this.

Serena has spoken often about confidence — particularly in the context of her own journey and the importance of self-belief. For instance, in a 2016 interview with Elle, she said:
"I’ve learned that confidence is something you build every day. It’s not given. It’s earned."
It’s a subtle but meaningful difference — and one that reflects her actual voice far better.

## “If I can just get a seat at the table, I’ll make sure my voice is heard.”

This quote is often cited in discussions about equality and representation, and it’s usually linked to Serena. But like the others, it’s not traceable to a specific interview or statement she made.

What is well-documented is her advocacy for equal pay and inclusion in sports. During the 2017 French Open, she addressed the issue directly:
"We’ve come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. It’s not about being given a seat — it’s about building the table ourselves."
That’s vintage Serena: assertive, visionary, and unwilling to wait for permission.

## “Champions keep going when it’s tough.”

This one does ring true — and you can find it in Serena’s 2017 memoir, On the Line. She wrote:
"Champions keep going when it's tough. They don’t stop when it hurts — they push through."
This quote perfectly encapsulates her mindset and is often cited by athletes and coaches alike.

It’s a real quote that’s been taken out of context at times, but it’s hers — and it’s powerful.

## “I’m not just a mother. I’m not just a tennis player. I’m not just an athlete. I’m a woman who is multidimensional.”

This quote has been widely shared in the context of post-pregnancy empowerment and breaking stereotypes. And this time, it’s real — and deeply personal.

Serena said this during a 2018 interview with Harper’s Bazaar, where she reflected on life after giving birth to her daughter, Olympia. She continued:
"I’m not defined by one thing. I’m not here to be just one version of myself. I’m here to be everything I am."
It’s a defining moment in her public persona — a declaration of selfhood that resonates with many women.

## “I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge.”

This one checks out, and it’s a favorite among motivational reels and sports highlights. Serena said it during a 2015 interview with ESPN, after winning a particularly grueling match:
"I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge. That’s what makes me who I am."
It’s short, it’s strong, and it’s hers — a perfect example of how she’s built her legacy on grit and determination.

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Whether you're drawing inspiration from Serena or just admiring her words, it’s worth knowing which ones are hers — and which ones have been borrowed in her name. If you’d like to hear more in her own voice, talk to Serena Williams on HoloDream. You might just walk away with a new favorite quote — and this time, it’ll be the real deal.