Anna Kournikova Spotted Being a Regular Mom (And Looking Nothing Like Her Tennis Days)

By Lewis Barnett 23 August, 2025 5 mins read 168 Views

Honestly? I almost didn't recognize her.

Anna Kournikova was photographed this week doing the most mundane thing imaginable - walking her kids to what looks like karate class in Miami. And after those scary wheelchair photos from January that had everyone freaking out about her health, seeing her on her own two feet again feels... relieving, actually.

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The Woman Who Broke the Internet Before Breaking the Internet Was Even a Thing

Look, I was around in 2002 when Kournikova got voted "world's sexiest woman" over Britney and J.Lo. That was peak everything - peak tennis popularity, peak early-2000s beauty standards, peak media obsession with blonde athletes who looked good in sports bras. She was everywhere. Magazine covers, Adidas campaigns, those weird energy drink commercials that made no sense but we all watched anyway.

The woman peaked at number 8 in singles without ever winning a Grand Slam. Think about that for a second. Most tennis players would kill for a top-10 ranking, but Kournikova got more famous for her looks than her backhand. Which probably sucked for her, honestly.

When Your Body Says "Nope" at 21

Here's what people forget: she retired at 21. Twenty-one! I was still figuring out how to do laundry at 21, and this woman had already conquered professional tennis and called it quits because her body was falling apart.

Stress fractures in her left foot. Back problems that wouldn't quit. Abductor issues (which sounds painful as hell). After eight years as a pro, she looked at her racquet in May 2003 and said "I'm done." Smart move, probably. Her body was screaming at her to stop.

The Enrique Years

Fast forward to now, and she's got three kids with Enrique Iglesias - twins Nicholas and Lucy (7), and little Mary (5). They've been together since 2001, which is basically a Hollywood marriage record at this point. The guy who sang "Hero" and the tennis star who never quite won the big one. It works, apparently.

She's 44 now and lives this incredibly private life in Florida. No social media drama, no reality TV shows, no desperate attempts to stay relevant. Just... mom life. Dropping kids at martial arts classes wearing comfortable clothes that actually fit properly.

Those January Photos Though

But those wheelchair pictures from earlier this year? They genuinely worried people. Seeing someone who used to move like poetry on a tennis court suddenly needing assistance to get around... it hits different. Especially when you remember all those injury problems that ended her career.

Whatever was going on then seems better now. She's walking, she's with her kids, she looks healthy. Sometimes that's enough.

The Price of Being "The Sexiest"

I keep thinking about what it must have been like to be her in the early 2000s. Every outfit analyzed. Every relationship dissected. Every match performance measured against her appearance in magazines. The constant pressure to look perfect while also trying to, you know, actually play professional tennis.

She won 16 doubles titles - including two Australian Opens - but that never seemed to matter as much as whatever photoshoot she did that month. Poor woman couldn't catch a break from the cameras even when she was trying to work.

Now she gets to be invisible. Walking her kids around Miami Beach, probably talking about homework and what's for dinner instead of world rankings and endorsement deals. There's something beautiful about that kind of ordinary life after all that chaos.

Sometimes the best victory is just getting to be normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are four Grand Slam tennis tournaments?

The four Grand Slams (also known as Majors) are the most prestigious professional tennis tournaments. The Australian Open takes place every January, followed by the French Open and Wimbledon in May, June, and July. Finally, the US Open and Australian Open take place in August and September. These tournaments are celebrated for their history, the level of competition, and the significant ranking points and prize money they offer. Winning a Grand Slam is considered one of the greatest achievements in tennis.

What has been the impact of the tennis scoring system on its unique character?

Tennis is a sport with a distinct scoring system. It adds to the character of the game. Games and sets are separated in tennis matches. A player must win 6 games by at least a two-point margin to earn a "set". Within games, players score from zero to fifteen and thirty before they win the game. When players reach deuce, (tied at 40), they need to win by 2 consecutive points. This system has a high level of tension, and is often unpredictable.

How have women's contributions to tennis shaped the sport?

Women have shaped tennis significantly, both through on-court performances and off-court advocacy for equality and recognition. Billie Jean King's effort to promote equal prizes and professional opportunities among women was the main reason for the Women's Tennis Association's formation in 1973. Steffi Graf and Venus and Serena Williams along with Martina Navratilova, all icons in the sport, have raised its profile dramatically through their talent and competitiveness. Furthermore, women's tennis often commands equal viewership, highlighting the sport's inclusivity and appeal across genders.

What are the roots of tennis in history?

The origins are traced to the 12th Century France when monks were using their fingers to hit the balls in a jeu de Paume game played in courtyards. Over time, rackets were introduced, and the game evolved into what we recognize today as tennis. In the 16thcentury, European nobility began to play the game. Tennis has been undergoing many changes since its conception, including the development and introduction of standard rules.

What are key elements of tennis etiquette?

Tennis etiquette represents sportsmanship as well as respect. Players must be honest when making line rulings. They should also avoid distractions in serves and remain silent throughout rallies. Audiences participate in the etiquette of tennis by being quiet during match play, and applauding each other's good shots. These unwritten rules help maintain the integrity of tennis as well as its gentlemanly tradition.

Statistics

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) governs over 200 nations, indicating the sport's vast international governance structure and participation rate.
The modern game of tennis originated in England in the late 19th century, with the first Wimbledon Championship held in 1877.
Since the Open Era began in 1968, allowing professional players to compete in the Grand Slams, the United States has produced the most Grand Slam singles titles across men's and women's competition.
As of 2023, Wimbledon remains the oldest tennis tournament in the world and is considered by many to be the most prestigious.
Graphite became a popular material for tennis racquets in the 1980s, with over 90% of professional players now using graphite or graphite composite racquets.

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How To

How to Develop a Strategy for Grass Court Tennis Play

A grass court requires a unique strategy because of its low-bouncing, fast surface. Emphasize serve-and-volley techniques to take advantage of quick points. Develop a potent serve, focusing on accuracy and variation to keep your opponent off balance. Construct aggressive points and move towards the net when possible to apply pressure. Improve your footwork for better traction on the slippery surface. By tailoring your game to grass courts, you can maximize your chances of success.