Intro:

Serena Williams reflects on reaching the quarter-finals at the US Open in New York on Monday.

Script:

SOUNDBITE (English) Serena Williams:

(on reaching the quarter-finals)

"I never thought it would be so exciting (smiling). Yeah! It feels good. Obviously I don't want this to end. But I'm just happy that I'm able to be performing a little better at the end of the year."

SOUNDBITE (English) Serena Williams:

(on the difference in her play from the beginning of the season)

"I'm playing a little better I think than I was in the beginning of the year. I'm also a little more relaxed. I think I played really well in Brisbane. I didn't play well again until I think maybe Cincinnati. So just being more consistent."

SOUNDBITE (English) Serena Williams:

(on being more relaxed now)

"Well, you know, I'm a perfectionist, I always want to be the best, do the best. I think I put a lot of pressure on myself to do well, particularly in the slams, to do really well. Had a couple nagging injuries that definitely didn't help. But other than that it was just that. Now I'm more relaxed. I feel like I don't have to win any more. I've had a wonderful career. Tennis has given me so much, things I would have never expected in my life. I feel honoured to even be a part of such a wonderful sport. So I think ultimately that really helps me to be able to be more relaxed."