But like her heroes, Monica was born with a passion. She risked everything for tennis. Unlike Hingis and Williams, who were basically raised to be "champions" (and in the case of the Williamses, cash cows), Monica loves the game like no other. She doesn't hesitate in saying that she enjoys practice more than competition (she hates the idea that one person "has to lose").

But as a series of devastating events tried to wrest her away from the game she loved so much, Monica fought back. And she has triumphed. The happy ending has already been written.

If another obstacle hits her tomorrow and she has to put down the racket for good, I ask, would she have any regrets?

No hesitation. "None. I just loved to play the game."