There was a point when I was 15 or 16 that I realized that my father wanted me to be a loner. I decided, 'It's okay to be an introvert, but I don't want to be a loner. I want a few other people in my life.'

I decided in my life that I would do nothing that did not reflect positively on my father's life.

When I retired from tennis I wanted to do other things with my life.

My mother took me to a lot of operas and when I was eight I got the opportunity to be in one and I realized that transformation into these make-believe situations was possible. I decided that was essentially what I wanted to do with my life.

I've sung other people's music all my life.

I'm now quite cured of seeking pleasure in society, be it country or town. A sensible man ought to find sufficient company in himself.