7 Reasons Serena Williams Is Our Favorite Tennis Player

In 2011, after a serious foot injury, Serena was hospitalized in the intensive care unit for multiple blood clots in her lungs. On her return to the court, Serena told Fitness, "I realized that I'm really fortunate to be alive and to be playing, and that it's not the end of the world if I don't win. I was able to relax. It was the first time I've ever had so much fun on the court. I would play matches and enjoy myself. That brought a whole new perspective to my game. Now I know I don't have to play again if I don't want to. I play because I love it."