Credo: Anne Keothavong

British women's tennis number one, 25

(CLIVE BRUNSKILL)

I believe...

I'd be number one in the world if my brother chaired my matches. He's a professional tennis umpire, so I see him around at tournaments; just the other week we were both at the Paris Open. Obviously, though, he doesn't...

I learnt how to compete from a young age – I started playing when I was four and it toughened me up. I took a few losses, but quickly learnt how to win.

Grunting has become a bit excessive. I wouldn't call myself a big grunter but sometimes I let out a bit of noise, and you hear Murray and Nadal do it, too. But Maria Sharapova's shriek is too loud.

I've wanted to play on the Centre Court at Wimbledon since my first visit at seven years old; there's a special buzz about it. I got my opportunity for the first time last year against Venus [Williams, the eventual champion]. It gave me goose bumps and meant the world to me.

"It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get back up" is one of my favourite quotes. It's from [the late American football coach] Vince Lombardi. There are matches you lose when an opponent has been too good, and you have to find a way to move on.

Women's tennis here is improving and we are attracting more girls to the game; another three or four Brits are on the brink of joining me [as the world number 48] in the top 100.

All women should learn self-defence. I've done martial arts since I was a kid – mostly tae kwon-do and kick boxing – and it has given me the confidence to go on my own down a street at night.

Nutrition is important but I don't deprive myself of anything. I adore Häagen-Dazs Cookies and Cream; I'd eat it all day if I could.

Keothavong plays the AEGON International in Eastbourne from 13 June and Wimbledon from 22 June (www.lta.org.uk)