Anna Kournikova, once a household name in the world of tennis, has largely stepped away from the public eye, opting instead for a quieter life centered around her family. The former athlete, known for her stunning looks and impressive skills on the court, has shifted her focus to her relationship with pop star Enrique Iglesias and their three young children. Kournikova seems to have little desire for the media spotlight that once surrounded her, a sentiment she has expressed on multiple occasions.
Reflecting on her early fame, Kournikova revealed her struggles with the constant attention from the media. At a press conference following a friendly match in 2010, she remarked, “The fame and everything, I guess most of it was created by you guys, by the media a lot of times, most of the time the yellow press. Never tried to pay attention.” Despite her efforts to ignore the noise, the young athlete found it challenging to escape the scrutiny, especially as a teenager. “It was a little hard [at] times dealing with it being 16, 17 years old, reading some kind of crap about yourself,” she admitted.
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The media’s portrayal of Kournikova often focused more on her appearance than her achievements as an athlete, a fact she found frustrating. She recalled her Wimbledon debut in 1997, just days after turning 16, saying, “They ran all those photos of my butt.” This excessive focus on her looks, rather than her talent, contributed to her decision to step away from the sport in the early 2000s.
Kournikova’s tennis career, which showed great promise, was sadly cut short due to a series of injuries. Despite her love for the game, these injuries plagued her throughout her career. In an interview with The Guardian in 2003, she explained, “Basically, I’ve had an injury nearly every single year.” She faced numerous setbacks, including stress fractures and torn ligaments, but the most significant blow came in 2001 when she suffered a serious foot injury that required surgery. “In 2001, I didn’t basically play the whole year,” she recalled. Her return in 2002 was short-lived as more injuries followed, ultimately forcing her to retire from professional tennis in 2003. “My back really forced me to stop. It got so bad; I couldn’t tie my shoes, literally. I would be in excruciating pain,” she shared in a 2011 interview.
Since her retirement, Kournikova has embraced a life devoted to her family. Although she briefly flirted with a career in reality television, her stint on “The Biggest Loser” ended after just one season due to complaints about her tough approach. Since then, Kournikova has mostly shunned the limelight, preferring to focus on her partner and their children.
In 2017, Kournikova and Iglesias welcomed twins, a joyous occasion they managed to keep under wraps. A source told People, “They basically only hang out with family and very close friends. They mostly keep to themselves.” The couple’s commitment to privacy is evident in their parenting style, as they cherish their time together as a family. Iglesias expressed his love for fatherhood during a concert in March 2018, stating, “I became a father 12 weeks ago and I can absolutely tell you two things: I love my babies! I love them very much.”
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Two years later, Kournikova and Iglesias expanded their family once again, welcoming a daughter in January 2020. Since becoming a mother, Kournikova has dedicated much of her time to her children, often sharing glimpses of her family life on social media. Although her posts are infrequent, they consistently feature Iglesias and their kids, showcasing the joy they find in their family life. Her last Instagram update came in June 2024, where she celebrated Father’s Day with a heartfelt message for Iglesias: “Happy Father’s Day to my man.”
As Anna Kournikova continues to navigate her life away from the tennis courts and media scrutiny, it is clear that her priorities have shifted toward family and personal happiness. The once-celebrated athlete has found fulfillment in her role as a mother and partner, choosing to live a life that values privacy and love over the glitz and glamour of fame.
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