Most iconic tennis quotes of all time

We highlight the most memorable tennis quotes of all time, including words of wisdom from the likes of Novak Djokovic, Steffi Graf and Roger Federer.

• John McEnroe

"You cannot be serious!"

- One of the most infamous outbursts in sporting history, John McEnroe lost his temper with an empire in almighty fashion during a match against Tom Gullikson at Wimbledon in 1981.

• Andy Murray

"I'm going to try this and it's not going to be easy."

- An outpouring of emotion which saw him truly capture the hearts of the British public, Andy Murray was inconsolable following his loss to Roger Federer in the 2012 Wimbledon final.

• Billie Jean King

"Champions keep playing until they get it right."

- An all-time great of the sport, Billie Jean King won 39 Grand Slam titles in total - 12 in singles, 16 in women's doubles and 11 in mixed doubles.

• Rafael Nadal

"I play each point like my life depends on it."

- If ever there was a quote to sum up the great Rafael Nadal, it is this declaration of his relentless mentality on court.

• Steffi Graf

"You can't measure success if you have never failed."

A winner of a remarkable 22 women's Grand Slam singles titles during her esteemed career, Steffi Graf underlined the virtues of resilience which transcend sport.

• Rod Laver

"The next point - that's all you must think about."

- One of the most technically gifted male tennis players of all time, 11-time Grand Slam winner Rod Laver has the main court at the Australian Open named after him.

• Pete Sampras

"I let my racquet do the talking. That's what I am all about, really. I just go out and win tennis matches."

- A calm and collected figure, 14-time Grand Slam champion Pete Sampras went about his business with minimal fuss.

• Serena Williams

"I wouldn't be Serena if there wasn't a Venus."

- With a combined 30 Grand Slam singles titles between them, Serena and Venus Williams are arguably the most successful siblings in sporting history.

• Novak Djokovic

"In my case, I can sincerely say nothing is impossible."

- Now out in his own when it comes to male Grand Slam singles titles, with 24 to his name, it is Novak Djokovic's winning mindset which has often appeared to drive him towards his greatest triumphs.

• Roger Federer

"There is no way around the hard work. Embrace it."

- Although the graceful genius Roger Federer undoubtedly boasted a supreme level of natural talent, you'd be mistaken to think the Swiss legend didn't push himself to his limit to achieve greatness.