Anna Kournikova: The Tennis Star Who Became a Celebrity

Anna Kournikova
Anna Kournikova

Anna Kournikova, a Russian former professional tennis player and American television personality, has a net worth of approximately $67 million.

She is primarily recognized for her looks and celebrity status, which propelled her to the top of Google searches in the early 2000s.

She is also well-known for her relationship with Spanish musician Enrique Iglesias, with whom she has three children. Here’s all you need to know about Anna Kournikova’s life, career, and family.

Early Life and Tennis Career

Anna Kournikova was born on June 7, 1981, in Moscow, Soviet Union, to former Greco-Roman wrestling champion Sergei Kournikov and fitness coach Alla Kournikova.

She began playing tennis at the age of five and relocated to the United States at the age of ten to train at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida.

Anna Kournikova

She made her professional debut in 1995, at the age of 14, and soon climbed to prominence as one of the world’s most promising young players. She made the Wimbledon semifinals in 1997, at the age of 16, becoming the youngest player to do so in the open era. She also won the Fed Cup and the Hopman Cup for Russia in 1997 and 1998, respectively.

Despite her talent and popularity, Kournikova never won a singles title and peaked at No. 8 in 2000. She was frequently chastised for her lack of attention and consistency, as well as for prioritizing her image and endorsements over her performance.

She suffered from several injuries and health issues, including persistent back pain and a viral illness, which impeded her career and prompted her to quit in 2003, at the age of 22.

Anna Kournikova Net Worth

Anna Kournikova is a retired Russian-American retired professional tennis player with a net worth of $67 million.

Anna Kournikova may not have won a WTA singles title, but it has not prevented her from becoming one of the world’s most recognizable female tennis players. While she earned less than $4 million in career prize money, she made tens of millions in endorsement deals.

Doubles Success and Media Publicity

Kournikova struggled in singles but thrived in doubles, forming a great team with Swiss star Martina Hingis. The partnership won two Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open (1999 and 2002), as well as two WTA Championships (1999 and 2000).

In 1999, they topped the doubles rankings and earned the nickname “Spice Girls of Tennis” due to their charisma and elegance. Kournikova’s attractiveness and sex appeal helped her become one of the world’s most popular and marketable athletes.

She appeared on the covers of numerous magazines, including Sports Illustrated, FHM, Maxim, and Vogue, and signed lucrative endorsement deals with Adidas, Berlei, Lycos, and Omega. She has also appeared in various music videos, including Enrique Iglesias’ “Escape” and “I Like It” and Alanis Morissette’s “Out Is Through”.

Kournikova’s celebrity and money sparked a lot of media interest and speculation, particularly about her personal life and relationships. She was romantically involved with various celebrities, including hockey player Pavel Bure, singer Sergei Fedorov, and actor Mark Wahlberg, before settling down with Enrique Iglesias, whom she met on the set of his music video in 2001.

She also encountered some controversy, including a lawsuit from her former management, a stalking incident by a fan, and a tax evasion investigation in Spain.

Family Life and Post-Tennis Career

Kournikova and Iglesias have been dating for nearly 20 years, but their relationship has remained very quiet and low-key. They have never verified whether they are married or not; however, they have been seen wearing rings on their fingers.

The couple resides in a Miami Beach mansion and has three children: twins Lucy and Nicholas (born in December 2017) and Mary (born in February 2020). After retiring from tennis, Kournikova participated in exhibitions and doubles for the St. Louis Aces of World Team Tennis, which dissolved in 2011.

She also served as a new trainer on season 12 of the television show The Biggest Loser, replacing Jillian Michaels, but did not return for season 13. Furthermore, she is a Global Ambassador for Population Services International’s “Five & Alive” initiative, which targets health issues affecting children under the age of five and their families.

Kournikova is one of the most recognizable and important figures in tennis and sports history. She helped many female athletes become celebrities and role models, earning attention and respect for their accomplishments and personalities.

She also inspired many young girls to pursue their aspirations and hobbies, as well as to appreciate their own beauty and confidence. She is a legend in her own right, a great star both on and off the court.

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