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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).
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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"I'm like a menu at an
expensive restaurant, you can look at me, but you can't afford me"
"I'm beautiful, famous and gorgeous."
"It's true I always try to be as seductive as possible but I
wouldn't be here if I couldn't play tennis."
"I have a lot of boyfriends, I want you to write that. Every country
I visit, I have a different boyfriend. And I kiss them all." |
