Anna Kournikova
Anna Sergeyevna Kournikova (Russian: Анна Сергеевна Курникова, Ánna Sergéyevna Kúrnikova; born June 7, 1981) is a profitable sports personality who achieved fame first as a tennis player. She was born in Moscow, Russia to parents Alla and Sergei Kournikov, but currently lives in Bradenton, Florida, in the United States.
Kournikova is perhaps the best known player among people who are not fans of tennis, and she is perhaps more famous for her beauty than for her tennis skills. A number of her relationships have featured prominently in the tabloid press, and photographs of her scantily-clad form have appeared in various "lad magazines," including a much publicized Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She was named one of People Magazine's 50 most beautiful people in 1998, and she had a small role (as a motel manager) in the 2000 film Me, Myself and Irene, starring Jim Carrey.
Kournikova's first Grand Slam title came in 1999 at the Australian Open in the Women's Doubles event with partner Martina Hingis. Kournikova and Hingis frequently played as doubles partners. While consistently ranked in the top 20 in the WTA tour rankings, she never won a professional singles tournament (though she made the semi-finals and finals of many). Her serve was notably weak for a top-level tennis player.
She is married to singer Enrique Iglesias, whom she wed in late 2004.
Brief facts
- Kournikova never won a singles title.
- She was briefly married to Russian Hockey player Sergei Fedorov.
- She last competed professionally in April 2003.
- Kournikova announced her retirement from tennis in March 2004.
- Kournikova's highest ranking was 8th.
- Kournikova's nickname is Murzik (a popular pet kitten name in Russia)
Books
- Anna Kournikova by Susan Holden (2001)
- Anna Kournikova (Women Who Win) by Connie Berman