Russian tennis star Anna Kournikova 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). f
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 fiancé 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.
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