From a career cut short at 22 to building a $50M empire
How one woman's early setback became the foundation for incredible success.
Anna Kournikova was one of the biggest names in tennis, reaching a world ranking of No. 8. But despite her talent and fame, she never won a singles title. Her career was cut short at age 22 due to injuries, but she found success in other ways, becoming a global celebrity and building a beautiful family with singer Enrique Iglesias.
Anna Kournikova was born on June 7, 1981, in Moscow, Russia. She started playing tennis at five, and by the age of seven, she was training professionally. Tennis quickly became her life, and at just 10 years old, she caught the attention of sports agents who saw her potential beyond the tennis court.
Anna and her mother moved to the U.S., where she trained at Nick Bollettieri’s prestigious tennis academy in Florida. By 14, she turned professional, and a year later, she made waves by reaching the fourth round of the U.S. Open. At just 16, she stunned the world by reaching the semi-finals at Wimbledon.
A career overshadowed by fame
Anna’s on-court skills were undeniable, but her rise coincided with the growing commercialization of women’s tennis. Sponsors and media outlets fixated on her looks as much as her athleticism, making her one of the sport’s most marketable stars.
Her partnerships with brands and appearances on magazine covers earned her millions, but some critics argued that the focus on her image overshadowed her talent. Fellow tennis legend Martina Navratilova defended Anna, saying, “What is she supposed to say, ‘No, I don’t want your money?’”
Anna’s career highlights included winning doubles titles at Wimbledon in 1999 and 2002 with Martina Hingis. Despite her success, injuries forced her to retire in 2003, leaving fans wondering what might have been.
Life after tennis – Celebrity status and family
Retirement didn’t slow Anna down. She dabbled in modeling, appeared in commercials, and even had a small role in the film Me, Myself and Irene. But her personal life took center stage when she began dating Enrique Iglesias after appearing in his music video Escape in 2001.
The couple moved to Miami, where they embraced a quieter life away from the spotlight. They welcomed twins Lucy and Nicholas in 2017, followed by their daughter Mary in 2020.
“Marriage isn’t important to me,” Anna once said. “We’ve been together for years. He’s the male version of me, and I’m the female version of him.”
A legacy beyond tennis
Today, Anna Kournikova remains a symbol of resilience and reinvention. She’s built a $50 million empire through endorsements and investments and continues to focus on her family. At 42, she balances motherhood and her legacy as one of the most Googled and talked-about athletes of her time.
What do you think about athletes earning more from endorsements than their sport? Share your thoughts and memories of Anna Kournikova in the comments!
