Anna Sergeyevna Kournikova (Russian: Anna Sergeevna Kurnikova, ?nna
Serg?yevna K?rnikova; born June 7, 1981) first discovered tennis when
she was five years old. After six years of practice in her native
Moscow, Russia, she became more serious about the sport and moved to
Florida at age 11 to learn at famed tennis coach Nick Bollettieri's
Tennis Academy. As her skills increased, she excelled on the junior
circuit. Winning both the European Championships and Italian Open, she
entered the pro ranks in 1996 as the International Tennis Federation
(ITF) Junior World Champion.
Her pro career has had its ups and downs, and after nagging back
injuries Kournikova has all but given up professional tennis. After a
promising start to her career, she never won a pro singles tournament
but managed a consistent top-20 ranking. She did, however, excel on
the doubles circuit. Frequently paired with Martina Hingis, the duo
ranked number-one and took 16 doubles titles (including three Grand
Slam events).
In 2003 she made her last professional tennis appearance and underwent
back surgery. But despite her fame on the court, Kournikova's star
still shines because of her stunning good looks. Today she remains a
top internet search and has ventured into modeling, becoming the most
photographed woman in sports ever. Much of that includes scantily clad
swimsuit spreads in such publications as Maxim, FHM, and Sports
Illustrated's legendary Swimsuit Issue.
Over the years her good looks have also landed her numerous lucrative
endorsement deals, the likes of which include Adidas and Lycos. She
has also appeared in the music videos of fianc? Enrique Iglesias; and
although she hasn't returned to pro tennis, she still plays in many
exhibition and charity events.
Some say that Kournikova single-handedly changed the game of tennis.
Her good looks drew attention to the sport, piquing interest from men
and women alike and renewing the sport's draw. On the court, rising
stars such as Maria Sharapova, Daniela Hantuchova and Jelena Dokic
keep the trend going that Anna began, as all three are successful on
the court and as models.
(credit: starpulse.com)