The Rise of a Tennis Sensation
Anna Kournikova, born in Moscow in 1981, was a prodigy from a young age. At just ten, she joined the prestigious Nick Bollettieri academy in Florida, a training ground for future tennis legends like Andre Agassi, Maria Sharapova, and the Williams sisters. Kournikova’s talent was evident, and she turned professional at the tender age of 14. Her meteoric rise began in 1997 when she made her Wimbledon debut at 16, reaching the semi-finals on her first try. Though she lost to Martina Hingis, this performance set the stage for her future successes. Kournikova’s best Grand Slam result came in doubles, where she paired up with Hingis to win two Australian Open titles in 1999 and 2002. Together, they were dubbed the "Spice Girls of tennis," a testament to their charismatic presence and on-court chemistry.
The Global Superstar
Kournikova’s tennis career was not just about her skills on the court. Her dazzling good looks, blonde hair, and supermodel appearance made her a media sensation. She reached the No. 8 ranking in singles and No. 1 in doubles, but her true impact was felt beyond the tennis world. Kournikova was inundated with lucrative sponsorship deals, including contracts with adidas, Omega, and Berlei, where she became the face of their shock absorber sports bras. Her fame extended to being named the "hottest female athlete" by ESPN and topping FHM’s 100 Sexiest Women in the World, beating out Jennifer Lopez and Britney Spears. She graced the covers of various magazines, including a stunning Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, and even had a cameo in the sitcom "Friends" and a role in the film "Me, Myself and Irene" alongside Jim Carrey. Her cultural impact was so significant that both a cocktail and a computer virus were named after her in 2001.
The Pressure and the Fall
Despite her immense popularity, Kournikova’s tennis career was often criticized for underdelivering compared to the hype and media attention she received. She earned the unwanted tags of “sport’s biggest flop” and “most overrated athlete,” with many feeling that she did not live up to her potential. The constant scrutiny and pressure took a toll on her, leading to injuries and anxiety. A left foot stress fracture, abductor issues, and back problems plagued her career. In May 2003, at the young age of 21, Kournikova made the shock decision to retire. She left the sport with 16 doubles titles and appearances in the French Open doubles final and the Wimbledon and US Open mixed doubles finals. Reflecting on her career, Kournikova said, "Being in the spotlight since I was a child was really hard. I would get so nervous and get anxiety on the court, I wouldn’t be able to move."
The Quiet Life
After retiring, Kournikova shied away from the public eye, trading her glamorous lifestyle for a more private one. She focused on her close network of friends and family, including her partner, Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias. The couple, who have been together for over 20 years, welcomed twins Nicolas and Lucy in December 2017 and another daughter, Mary, in January 2020. They live in a 20,000 sq ft beachfront Miami home with a tennis court, a German Shepherd named Max, and a chocolate Labrador named Chessie. Kournikova, who used to be active on social media, has become more reclusive. Her last public post was a family photo in May 2022, and she has not shared any new updates since then. She revealed, "I love being a mum. I absolutely wanted to have children, whether I had my own or adopted. I love taking care of people. Being with them is happiness, I am not ready to miss a single second."
The Stalker Incident
Kournikova’s private life took a frightening turn in 2005 when she was targeted by a stalker, William Lepeska. Lepeska, who had a tattoo of Kournikova on his arm, swam naked to what he thought was her Miami home, claiming she needed to save him from drowning. Though he swam to the wrong house, the incident was terrifying for Kournikova, who increased her security and hired bodyguards. She testified in court, saying, "I was absolutely shocked and fearful, and I was very much concerned for my safety. It was very frightening and scary… just knowing there is someone out there who’s obsessive." This ordeal further solidified her decision to stay out of the limelight.
Life with Enrique Iglesias
Kournikova’s relationship with Enrique Iglesias has been a source of intrigue for fans. The couple started dating in late 2001 and have been together ever since. They remain coy about their marital status, though Iglesias has suggested they might be married. Kournikova, who now goes by Anna Kournikova Iglesias and wears a diamond ring and matching eternity band, has been introduced as his "wife" at a 2011 concert in Russia. Despite their long relationship, Kournikova has chosen a more private life, focusing on her family. Iglesias, who released his 12th studio album, "Final Vol 2," in 2024, has spoken candidly about their relationship, saying, "It’s probably more sex now than ever. The sex has not diminished." Kournikova’s life has come full circle, from the bright lights of stardom to the tranquility of a loving family, where she finds her true happiness.
