Anna Kournikova – Born in 1981, Russia
Who can deny that Anna Kournikova lit up the tennis world with her brilliant play and dazzling presence? The Russian athlete became a global sensation for her athletic prowess and her striking beauty. Bursting onto the scene in the late 1990s, Anna quickly became one of the most recognizable faces in sports, known as much for her photogenic appeal as for her skills on the court.
Despite never bagging a singles title, her success in doubles was unmatched, clinching Grand Slam titles at the 1999 and 2002 Australian Open alongside partner Martina Hingis. Her legacy extends beyond her athletic achievements, as she played a pivotal role in popularizing tennis worldwide.