Former professional tennis player Anna Kournikova was recently spotted at Bal Harbour Shops in Miami, Florida, and the images of her using a wheelchair have sparked widespread concern among her fans. Kournikova, who has largely kept out of the limelight for the last two years, was seen wearing an orthopedic boot on her right foot and was being pushed around the outdoor shopping mall.
The sighting took place on Saturday, January 25, 2025, marking Kournikova's first public appearance since 2023. Accompanying her were her two daughters, Lucy and Mary, who are seven and four years old, respectively. The family outing raised eyebrows as it was the first time fans had seen the former tennis star since she shared a post on Instagram celebrating Enrique Iglesias’ birthday back on May 8, 2022.
Kournikova, 43, has not provided any details as to why she was using the wheelchair, leading to speculation about her health status. She wore all black, including a hooded sweatshirt and matching sweatpants, which added to her casual yet concerning appearance. Her hair was styled back in a messy bun, and she accessorized with black-tinted sunglasses.
The former tennis champion has previously faced health issues. She retired from professional tennis at the young age of 21, mostly due to chronic injuries. Since then, Kournikova has embraced family life with singer-songwriter Enrique Iglesias. The couple has been together since meeting on the set of Iglesias' 2001 music video for the hit song “Escape.” They share three children together, twins Lucy and Nicholas, and their younger daughter Mary.
Despite their lengthy relationship, Kournikova and Iglesias remain quite private about their family life, rarely sharing details publicly. "I always try, but she pays me no attention," Iglesias shared with People back in 2008 when discussing Kournikova's disinterest in marriage. Though they haven’t legally tied the knot, the couple appears to be committed.
Kournikova's last major public appearance occurred prior to her recent outing. Reports indicated her absence from the public eye intensified after nursing their children and building her life around family. Fans often express their desire to see more of her, as evidenced by the buzz around her recent photos. Many have taken to social media to wish her well and inquire about her health following the sighting, highlighting her significance as not just a sports icon but also as a relatable figure.
The media attention surrounding her recent wheelchair appearance underscored the public's concern for Kournikova's well-being. It’s unclear whether the injury is from a recent incident or is connected to her long history of arthritic pain and stress injuries from her tennis career.
While Kournikova has not made any public statements about her current condition, the rarity of such sightings raises questions and reminds fans of her previous struggles with health. Family friends have refrained from commenting, maintaining the couple's commitment to privacy.
Reflecting on the couple's relationship, Iglesias previously discussed their deep connection, stating, "When we met —although she came from the sports world— we kind of got each other." Their mutual experiences as public figures have shaped their bond, according to Iglesias, and the couple continues to navigate their lives together away from the media spotlight.
Currently, there’s no indication of when Kournikova will return to her typical public life, but her composed demeanor during the outing hints at her resilience. For fans and admirers, many remain hopeful of hearing from Kournikova soon, especially as she manages her health and continues nurturing her family.
Indeed, recent appearances are often met with warmth and support from fans who appreciate both her achievements on the tennis court and her subsequent role as a devoted mother. Discussions surrounding her health serve to remind everyone of the personal challenges many face, regardless of their past fame.