REMEMBERING FORMER STAR ANNA KOURNIKOVA

Anna Kournikova was making the raves years back after bursting on to the scenes in 1998.

She was touted to be the next big star in tennis but she never quite match expectations. Unlike Serena Williams who remains very relevant until date, Kournikova has since fizzled out.

She was a teenager when she broke into the upper echelon of female tennis. At the turn of the new millennium she turned 18, reaching the eighth spot in the WTA rankings. From the tender age of 14-15, she was already established as a star. She represented Russia at the Fed Cup and she reached the last four in Wimbledon 1997. It was eventually her best display at a Grand Slam event before she ‘ghosted’ due to fitness concern.

Kournikova would be remembered for her prowess in the doubles event and her beauty that left many stunned. She would rank very high on any list in the doubles category. In her short career span, she combined with Martina Hingis to lift Grand Slam titles in 1999 and 2002.

From the age of 21, her travails with injuries began and it eventually ended her run in pro tennis. It started with back and spinal problems at the peak of her career. She made waves as a talented tennis star that excelled in modelling. She was the face of Adidas and she commanded interests from the viewers. She was pulling many times her prize money in endorsements.

Post retirement she played a part in TV show ‘The Biggest Loser’ and she is believed to be in a relationship with music star Enrique Iglesias. She is an ambassador of certain charity programs and lives off the public eye these days.