Serena Williams says growing up in Compton, Los Angeles, made her tough.
COMPTON, LOS ANGELES
I grew up in Compton and it is this place that made me who I am. It made me tough, it made me appreciative and it made me Serena. I travelled there recently and it gave me inspiration. To know I grew up there and became a great tennis player was a really awesome feeling.
PARIS
I lived there for a few years and it gave me an amazing appreciation for European culture. I learnt to speak French and experienced the world from a different perspective. Paris gave me worldly experience.
See also: 20 reasons Paris is the world's number one city for tourists
AFRICA
Africa brought me to my roots and changed me. After my first visit to Africa I started to win Grand Slam tournaments – it really changed something within. As an African American woman, my ancestors went through slavery where only the strong survived. From this I told myself there was no way I couldn't be great because my ancestors were so strong and so great – I knew I had this determination and strength within me.
See also: Africa - the amazing destination Aussies don't care about
FLORIDA
Florida is my home and I like to call it my secret place. When I'm there I don't have to be anyone or worry about wearing make-up. I can get up to go anywhere and just be myself. When you travel a lot your home is where you feel comfortable and safe.
See also: Six of the best Miami art deco hotels
ROME
Rome is one of my favourite cities in the world! It's such a magical place and I have so many wonderful memories there.
See also: Twenty reasons to visit Rome
Serena Williams is the ambassador for the Berlei Sport AW17 Collection. See berlei.com.au
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