Changed the game
Anna Kournikova was more than just a tennis player—she was a cultural phenomenon who redefined women’s sports in the 1990s. While she never won a singles title, her impact went far beyond the court.
Things you probably didn’t know
While it seemed like Kournikova was everywhere for a time, there are a lot of things you probably don’t know about the former World No.8. Here are 11 things you may not know about Anna Kournikova.
1. It all started with a Christmas gift
Who knew a simple Christmas gift could change someone’s life? Little Anna got her first tennis racket at the age of five, and was soon getting down to some serious work on the courts.
Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!
This Brilliant Japanese Invention Instantly Translates Foreign Languages
2. Used to train for 6 hours a day in Moscow
While other kids were watching cartoons, Kournikova was grinding it out on the tennis court – six hours a day, to be exact, in her childhood city of Moscow, before new opportunities came knocking per People magazine.
3. From Russia to Florida
At just 10 years old, Kournikova packed her bags and left Moscow to train at the famous Nick Bollettieri tennis academy in Florida, renowned for coaching the likes of Monica Seles, Andre Agassi, Jennifer Capriati, and later the Williams sisters. A big move, but a huge opportunity.
Foot Neuroраthу (Nerve Pain)? Doctors Say To Try This Shoe
4. Youngest champ at the Junior Orange Bowl
She didn’t waste any time making history. In 1995, she became the youngest player to win the Junior Orange Bowl, one of the biggest junior tennis tournaments, at just 14 years old. A star was born.
This Brilliant Japanese Invention Instantly Translates Foreign Languages
5. The $10 million-a-year fashion Icon
Anna Kournikova wasn’t just a tennis player – she was a brand. At the height of her career, she was earning over $10 million (£8 million/€9.3 million) a year from deals with Adidas, Omega, and more. She became one of the first athletes to blur the lines between sports and fashion.
6. The first ‘viral’ star
Back in the early 2000s, Kournikova was the most searched woman on Google. Fans couldn’t get enough of her on and off the court, making her one of the internet’s original superstars. In fact, in 2001 she used to lure a computer virus through emails with an attachment titled ‘AnnaKournikova.jpg.vbs’.
7. A gaming icon
Also at the peak of her playing days, Kournikova had her very own video game, ‘Anna Kournikova’s Smash Court Tennis’ on PlayStation 2 in 1998. The game is fondly remembered by people who played it at the time, but we’re not sure it would hold up today…
8. Mystery around her relationship
Kournikova and pop star Enrique Iglesias have been together since 2001, but despite both being famous entities little is known about their relationship. In fact, it’s not even publicly known if they are married.
9. Forced into early retirement
©Provided by Sports Unlimited News
Persistent back and spinal issues forced Kournikova to retire at 21 in 2003, leaving fans wondering what could’ve been. But while her time on the court was short, and never resulted in a Grand Slam singles title, her impact on tennis and pop culture has been anything but small.
10. The doubles dream team
She was, however, a doubles specialist alongside Martina Hingis – a duo dubbed the ‘Spice Girls of tennis’ – and the pair won two Grand Slam doubles titles, both at the Australian Open in 1999 and 2002.
11. Global philanthropy
Since retiring from the sport, she has dedicated herself largely to philanthropic work. She’s a Global Ambassador for Population Services International’s ‘Five & Alive’ program, helping improve health for kids under five around the world. In 2009, she also spearheaded a campaign to raise awareness for HIV in Russia, as reported by Oprah.