Anna
Kournikova is one of the most recognisable players in
women's tennis, and always attracts massive support wherever
she plays. The most glamorous of the new generation of
women players, she has raised the profile of the ladies
game to new levels.
She was born in Russia on the 7th June, 1981 to Sergei
and Alla Kournikova. Sergei, a natural athlete who wrestled
professionally and coached tennis part-time, encouraged
her to play sports from an early age, as did Alla.
Anna
received her first tennis racquet at the age of 5 as
a Christmas present. She joined Moscow’s Soklniki Park
and soon was a member of the prestigious Spartak Tennis
Club.
There she was coached by the husband of Russian pro
Olga Morozova. By the age of eight, Anna began to catch
the eye of local tennis scouts.
When the ATP Tour established a tournament in Moscow in
1990, Anna Kournikova was first able to demonstrate her
potential. She competed in the junior event, which swiftly
led to a management deal.
Two years later Anna jetted off to Florida, to train
with coach Nick Bolletierri at his famous tennis academy.
At 14, she was the youngest ever winner of a Federation
Cup match and won the European Championships and Italian
Open juniors. At the close of 1995, she was ITF Junior
World Champion and ranked number 1 in the world for
the junior game.
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Anna
Kournikova is one of the most recognisable players in women's
tennis, and always attracts massive support wherever she plays.
The most glamorous of the new generation of women players,
she has raised the profile of the ladies game to new levels.
[ Incredible ] 
[ Good ] 
[ Average ] 
[ Below Average ] 
