Critics dismiss as distractions Serena Williams’ off-court pursuits, which have included acting, launching a collection of handbags and completing 240 hours of course work to become a certified nail technician. But those pursuits likely account for some of her longevity: she won the 2010 Australian Open and Wimbledon more than a decade after her first Grand Slam singles title at the U.S. Open, and despite repeated injuries, she’s attained the No. 1 ranking on five occasions. Her powerful ground strokes, lightning-fast serve and relentless pursuit of the ball led her father to describe her as “a combination of a pit bull dog, Mike Tyson and an alligator.” But Williams, 29, has a gentle side too. “Tennis is my job, but it’s not my life,” she says. “Away from a tournament, you wouldn’t even recognize me. I’m Serena Williams on the court, but away I have so many different names. I call myself Butterfly.”