5 Shocking Reasons Anna Kournikova Was Seen In A Wheelchair And Her Latest Health Update (2025)
Anna Kournikova: A Complete Biography and Career Profile
Anna Sergeyevna Kournikova (Anna Kournikova Iglesias) is one of the most recognizable figures in modern tennis history, a Russian-American former professional tennis player, model, and television personality. Her career, though brief, was marked by dazzling talent, groundbreaking celebrity, and the physical sacrifice of elite competition.
- Full Name: Anna Sergeyevna Kournikova Iglesias
- Date of Birth: June 7, 1981
- Place of Birth: Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union (now Russia)
- Age (as of 2025): 44
- Nationality: Russian, American
- Height: 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
- Professional Career: 1995–2003
- Career Highlight: World No. 1 in Doubles (November 1999)
- Grand Slam Doubles Titles: 2 (Australian Open 1999, 2002) with Martina Hingis.
- Singles Best: World No. 8
- Prize Money: Over $3.5 million (However, she earned tens of millions from endorsement deals, making her one of the highest-paid female athletes of her time).
- Partner: Enrique Iglesias (since 2001)
- Children: Twins Nicholas and Lucy (born 2017), daughter Mary (born 2020). Expecting a fourth child (2025).
- Retirement Age: 21 (due to chronic back injuries)
The Real Reason Anna Kournikova Was Seen in a Wheelchair in 2025
The pictures of Anna Kournikova in a wheelchair, taken in January 2025 at Bal Harbour Shops in Miami, Florida, immediately went viral. She was spotted wearing an orthopedic boot, signaling an issue with her foot or ankle, and was accompanied by her daughters. The rare public sighting, her first in years, created a media frenzy fueled by concern.
The truth, however, was far less dramatic than the speculation. The health update was quickly provided by Isabel Preysler, the mother of Enrique Iglesias, who is close with the family.
1. It Was a Minor Foot Sprain, Not a Major Crisis
The primary reason for the wheelchair was a minor, acute injury. Preysler confirmed to reporters that the issue was "nothing serious, just a minor foot injury." Specifically, she mentioned it was "a small sprain," adding, "but you know how painful those can be." The use of the wheelchair and the orthopedic boot was a precautionary measure to ensure the foot was completely immobilized, preventing further damage and accelerating the recovery process.
2. The Need for Complete Immobilization (Orthopedic Boot)
Given her history as an elite athlete, Kournikova understands the importance of proper recovery. The orthopedic boot seen in the photos is a common tool for treating sprains, fractures, and other leg injuries, allowing the patient to bear some weight while protecting the injured area. The wheelchair was likely used for longer distances or extended outings, such as a shopping trip, to ensure she didn't put unnecessary stress on the sprained foot.
3. A History of Career-Ending Back Injuries
While the 2025 incident was a minor foot injury, the public concern was amplified by Kournikova's well-documented history of debilitating physical problems. Her professional tennis career was famously cut short not by a lack of talent, but by chronic back issues. She retired at the age of 21/22, an incredibly early age for a top-tier athlete, due to a series of injuries, most notably a herniated disc. This history of physical sacrifice makes any new injury, no matter how small, a major talking point for fans who remember her struggle.
4. The Low-Profile Lifestyle Amplified the Media Reaction
Anna Kournikova has maintained an extremely private life since retiring and starting a family with Enrique Iglesias. She rarely makes public appearances, preferring to focus on raising their children in Miami. This seclusion meant that the wheelchair photos were her first significant public sighting in years, naturally amplifying the media's focus and the public's curiosity. A common injury for a celebrity who is constantly photographed would be a footnote, but for Kournikova, it became headline news.
5. The Latest Health Update: Happy, Healthy, and Expecting Baby No. 4 (2025)
The most current update, just weeks after the initial wheelchair photos, is overwhelmingly positive. By March 2025, new photos surfaced showing Kournikova walking around Miami, looking "happy and healthy." This confirmed that the foot injury was indeed minor and her recovery was swift.
Furthermore, the health scare was quickly overshadowed by a major personal announcement. Multiple reports in 2025 indicate that Anna Kournikova and Enrique Iglesias are expecting their fourth child. Sources suggest the former World No. 1 doubles player is midway through her pregnancy, adding a significant and exciting new chapter to her life. This news provides a profound context to her recent low profile and any temporary mobility issues, cementing her transition from tennis superstar to dedicated mother of (soon to be) four.
The Legacy of Anna Kournikova: Beyond the Singles Title
Anna Kournikova's legacy in the world of sports and celebrity is unique. Despite never winning a WTA singles title, her impact transcended the scoreboard. She achieved the World No. 1 ranking in doubles, a feat only accomplished by the most elite players, and won two Australian Open Grand Slam titles alongside her partner, Martina Hingis, forming one of the most formidable doubles teams in history, affectionately nicknamed "The Spice Girls of Tennis."
Her marketability was unprecedented. Kournikova's stunning looks and charismatic presence made her a global icon, landing her massive endorsement deals with brands like Adidas, Yonex, and Omega. Her ability to generate tens of millions of dollars in endorsements, far exceeding her on-court prize money, fundamentally changed the financial landscape for female athletes. She paved the way for future stars to capitalize on their celebrity and image.
Today, Kournikova remains a highly influential figure, navigating her private life, managing her multi-million dollar net worth, and focusing on her growing family with Enrique Iglesias. The brief appearance in a wheelchair in 2025 was a momentary blip, a small consequence of a minor sprain, but it served as a powerful reminder of the relentless physical demands of her past career and her current status as a fiercely private, yet globally relevant, celebrity.
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