The orginal Russian tennis queen failed to live up to some people's expectations, but she was a success on the court - and now she is off it as well.
'What people forget is that Kournikova still does a lot in the public limelight for charity, playing in regular exhibition matches, raising money for disadvantaged kids and attending charity dinners'
Anna Kournikova was only 14 when she got a wildcard into a Moscow Open qualifying event in 1994. Since that day the Russian has continually been slaughtered by the media and fellow players as 'demeaning' to the women's game and was once even described by American former No.1 Lindsay Davenport as a mere "circus act".
Kournikova can hardly be likened to a lion tamer, a trapeze artist or a fire eater. She started off as a tennis player with lots of potential and unfortunately, due to a long-standing injury, was unable to meet everyone's expectations. True, she has made the best out of her good looks and charm but let's look at her career and you will find out she's not done badly on the court, either!
Firstly, she has amassed over $3,500,000 in prize money and actually competed on the tour at the highest level for nearly nine years - a successful career to most fellow players. She won over 400 singles and doubles matches during this time, reaching four singles finals and winning 16 doubles titles.
Partnering Martina Hingis, the Russian won two Australian Grand Slams and reached two mixed doubles Grand Slam finals with different partners. At Wimbledon 1997 she reached the singles semi-finals at the age of 16 and reached a career high of No.8 in singles and world No.1 in doubles.
It was only due to the highest of expectations put on the young Russian that her career was not seen as successful. Maybe the pressure from the constant cameras flashing and fans whistling discouraged the youngster. Maybe the attention got to her on court and she didn't know how to handle it.
She certainly wasn't shy off the court, though. She has made millions of pounds from endorsements, magazine shoots and TV commercials. Is this the real reason why some fellow players had nasty words to say about Kournikova - was jealousy a factor?
Was the fact that Kournikova was making more money off the court than most players combined on the court threatening some of the top players? it certainly seemed so.
Tennis is a short-lived career and, just like footballers today, players need to earn as much as they can before it's too late. Kournikova retired due to injuries and what better way to spend her retirement but by making more money? Who could possibly blame her?
Sponsors want their merchandise to sell and if that means using Kournikova rather than a Lindsay Davenport, then let it be - it's only common sense - everyone makes the most out of their best assets, whether they are on or off the court.
What people forget is that Kournikova still does a lot in the public limelight for charity, playing in regular exhibition matches, raising money for disadvantaged kids and attending charity dinners. She made women's tennis very fashionable during her career and highlighted to the world that women sports stars can be feminine and successful.
She was a tennis treasure and only did good for the game. Let's hope she can make a comeback, after all she's still only 26. What a story that would make!
What are YOUR memories of Anna Kournikova? Post your comments below.