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Anna Kournikova

Anna Kournikova is a Russian former professional tennis player and model, known for her success in doubles and for reaching a career-high singles ranking of world No.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Anna Kournikova is a Russian former professional tennis player and model, known for her success in doubles and for reaching a career-high singles ranking of world No. 8. She won two Grand Slam doubles titles at the Australian Open with Martina Hingis and briefly held the world No. 1 doubles ranking. She retired from professional tennis in 2003.

Early life and junior career

Anna Kournikova was born in Moscow in 1981 and developed into a prominent junior tennis player before turning professional in the mid-1990s.

Professional tennis career

Kournikova competed on the WTA Tour from 1995 to 2003. Her strongest results came in doubles, while her singles career peaked with a No. 8 world ranking.

Grand Slam doubles success

Her most notable achievements were two Australian Open women's doubles titles, both won with Martina Hingis. She also reached finals at Wimbledon and the US Open in doubles and mixed doubles.

Retirement and later public profile

Kournikova retired from professional tennis in 2003. She later became widely known as a media personality and model, in addition to her sporting career.

Key facts

  • Kournikova played professionally from 1995 to 2003.
  • She won 16 doubles titles on the professional circuit.
  • She won two Grand Slam doubles titles at the Australian Open in 1999 and 2002 with Martina Hingis.
  • She reached a career-best singles ranking of world No. 8 in 2000.
  • She reached world No. 1 in doubles in 1999.
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Canadian context

Kournikova has relevance for Canadian readers as an internationally known tennis figure whose WTA career, Grand Slam results, and doubles partnership with Martina Hingis were closely followed in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Anna Kournikova?
Anna Kournikova is a Russian former professional tennis player best known for her doubles success and for reaching world No. 8 in singles.
Did Anna Kournikova ever win a Grand Slam singles title?
No. She did not win a Grand Slam singles title or a WTA singles title.
What were Anna Kournikova's biggest tennis achievements?
Her biggest achievements were two Australian Open women's doubles titles with Martina Hingis and reaching world No. 1 in doubles.
When did Anna Kournikova retire?
She retired from professional tennis in 2003.
What was Anna Kournikova's highest singles ranking?
Her career-high singles ranking was world No. 8.
Is Anna Kournikova Canadian?
No. She is Russian, though her career was followed internationally, including in Canada.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Kournikova
    Supports: Grand Slam doubles titles, doubles achievements, and career overview.
  2. Olympedia — http://www.olympedia.org/athletes/2535
    Supports: Birth date and place, nationality, professional career dates, singles and doubles rankings.
  3. WTA Official — https://www.wtatennis.com/players/110375/-anna-kournikova-
    Supports: WTA player record, Fed Cup and Olympic team participation, and tournament results.
  4. ESPN — http://www.espn.com/tennis/s/wta/profiles/kournikova.html
    Supports: Physical profile, birthplace, and career title summary.