Biography
Kournikova's first Grand Slam title came in 1999 at the Australian Open in the Women's Doubles event with partner Martina Hingis. Kournikova and Hingis have frequently played as doubles partners. While consistently ranked in the top 20 in the WTA tour rankings, she has never won a professional singles tournament (though has made the semi-finals and finals of many). Her serve is notably weak for a top-level tennis player.
Kournikova is perhaps the best known player among people who are not fans of tennis, and she is perhaps more famous for her beauty than for her tennis skills. A number of her relationships have featured prominently in the tabloid press, and photographs of her scantily-clad form have appeared in various "lad magazines". She was named one of People Magazine's 50 most beautiful people in 1998, and she had a small role (as a motel manager) in the 2000 film Me, Myself and Irene, starring Jim Carrey.
Brief facts
- Kournikova never won a WTA singles title but won 16 doubles WTA titles, incl. 3 Grand Slams.
- She allegedly was briefly married to Russian Hockey player Sergei Fedorov.
- She last competed professionally in April 2003.
- Kournikova's highest single ranking was #8, highest doubles ranking was #1.
- Kournikova's nickname is Murzik (a popular pet kitten name in Russia).