Anna Kournikova, the former tennis superstar, has sparked significant concern following her rare public outing over the weekend. The 43-year-old was photographed using a wheelchair at the upscale Bal Harbour shopping center in Miami, prompting questions about her health after not being seen publicly for over two years.
Dressed casually in an all-black athleisure outfit, Kournikova sported sunglasses and wore her long hair pulled back in a messy bun. The sight of her being pushed by friends, combined with the orthopedic boot on her right foot, suggested she might have recently suffered a serious injury or undergone surgery.
During the outing, Kournikova appeared to be in good spirits, laughing and interacting with her daughters, Lucy, 7, and Mary, 5, who were dressed adorably in matching outfits of white tops and denim. The family seemed to be celebrating, as they carried a large pink balloon, likely marking Mary’s upcoming fifth birthday on January 30.
This rare public appearance generated significant buzz among fans and media alike, who have expressed concern for Kournikova, one of the most well-known names in tennis history. She reached her peak as World No. 8 and garnered fame not only as a competitive athlete but also as one of the world's sexiest women, famously topping such lists as the 'sexiest female tennis player' over the years.
Kournikova's illustrious tennis career ended prematurely when she retired at just 21 years old due to persistent injuries, including serious back problems and other ailments like stress fractures and torn ligaments. Reflecting on her retirement, she once shared her struggles, saying, "I never planned or thought this was going to be it. My back really forced me to stop. It got so bad I couldn't tie my shoes, literally. I would be in excruciated pain," as she recounted to PEOPLE magazine.
Since stepping away from the sport, Kournikova has embraced family life with her long-time partner, grammy-winning Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias. The couple, who have been together since meeting on the set of Iglesias' 'Escape' music video, share three children together: twins Lucy and Nicholas, and their youngest, Mary.
Despite Kournikova maintaining her distance from the fame and pressures of her earlier career, Iglesias has continued to be more vocal about their family life. He spoke at the 40 Music Awards about the joy of being home with their children, emphasizing how quickly they grow and how he values every moment with them.
After this recent sighting, many fans hope for Kournikova’s well-being. Her transition from the tennis limelight to family-oriented life has drawn admiration, yet her recent health situation is undeniably concerning. While details surrounding her condition remain unclear, her positive public demeanor and family support during such trying times could paint a picture of resilience and strength.
Continuing to support her loved ones, including her daughters, Kournikova has emphasized the importance of caring for family. The tennis star, once known for her stunning presence as much as her gameplay, unwinds and cherishes her role as a mother, even carving out time from her past high-stakes lifestyle.
While it is uncertain how her current health will evolve, fans and well-wishers alike are eager to see Kournikova back on her feet, continuing to thrive both as an individual and as part of her family. For many, her legacy as one of tennis' brightest stars is coupled now with her qualities as a devoted mother.