| Anna Kournikova
The leggy, blonde tennis star
was born June 7, 1981 in Moscow, Russia. She began learning
the game of tennis at the age of 7 and made a splash into
the tennis world as she entered her teen years. Her highest
ranking in the sport was 8th in 2000, but that number slipped
fairly quickly, all the way down to 299th in 2003.
It was the following year that Kournikova announced her
retirement from tennis completely after re-injuring her
lower back. She never won a singles championship during
her playing career, but did win two Australian Open doubles
titles with her partner, Martina Hingis.
Noticed even on the court for her long,
blonde hair and stunning figure, Kournikova then graduated
to modeling, fitness videos and small bit parts in film
and TV. In 2000, the 19 year old Kournikova appeared in
a very small role in “Me, Myself and Irene”.
She also appeared in Enrique Inglesias’ music videos,
which led to the persistent rumors that the pair were dating.
Denied at first, the two finally did admit to being a couple.
On a personal note, Anna was rumored to
have dated two fellow Russians, hockey players, Pavel Bure
and Sergei Federov at the same time. Federov reportedly
told the press that he and Kournikova had wed, but Anna
continually denied this. She did sell her Florida condo
to the hockey star.
Anna’s nickname is “Murzik”
which means “my little pet” in Russian. One
of the physical attributes that Anna is most famous for
is her long blonde hair. In most photos and videos, her
hair is left long and flowing, like a Russian Cinderella,
but during her playing days, Anna kept her mane pulled back
in a more sensible pony tail, or under control under her
tennis visor.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Anna Kournikova |
Anna Kournikova |
Anna Kournikova |
Anna Kournikova |
|
