An Interview:
Recently 16-year old Anna Kournikova was in Germany. Tennis Revue was also there and singed some remarkable statements. Anna appeared less arrogant than expected and talked about her furure.
TR: What do you like most on being a tennis-pro ?
Kournikova: I can make my living out of my hobby and I love travelling.
TR: Do you mind that spectators are frequently more impressed by your looks instead of your tennis ?
Kournikova: If I couldn't play tennis , I wouldn't been where I am now. If I was number 500 on the WTA list , nobody would see me.
TR: If a shampoo-concern should sponsor you on condition that you have to cut your hair , would you do that ?
Kournikova: No way !!! I want to stay the way I am. If I should cut my hair , that's only because I want to.
TR: How should you describe yourself:
Kournikova: I don't because others do that already. I don't like to talk about myself.
TR: Is becoming number 1 at the WTA list your goal for 1998:
Kournikova: No , it isn't , I just try to play my best tennis. I'm still young and there's time enough to be number one of the world.
TR: How did you get your new coach Pavel Slozil ?
Kournikova: I already know him for a long time and he's a good friend. He's got a lot of experience and was a good player. I'm happy with him being around.
TR: What's your weakest point on the court ?
Kournikova: I contol every stroke but I have to learn to win. At toptennis , everything is about mental power. You can beat a technical better player if you're mentally stronger.
TR: What do you think about the rivalry of Hingis and the Williams sisters ?
Kournikova: Martina
and me , we're good friends. We go to party's together. On the court we're
rivals but outside we're friends. That's the same with the Williams sisters
altough I've less contact
with them.
TR: What do you think about the youthful age of the tennis pro's ?
Kournikova: When you start early , you can also quit early. Today, you can quit by the age of 25 to start a family. If I've won everything at the age of 20 , I could quit then if I want to.
TR: Do you want to start a family ?
Kournikova: Offcourse. Every normal human being wants that sooner or later. However, I don't know how many kids I want.
TR: Can you imagine having a boyfriend on the tour ?
Kournikova: I sure do. To make one thing clear : I don't have a boyfriend right now altough others claim different.
TR: How's your bond with Russia , your country of birth ?
Kournikova: I'm home a lot because my friends and family live there.
TR: Was it hard to move to Nick Bollettieri in Florida at the age of ten ?
Kournikova: No.
It was very important to go there because Russia doesn't have such an institute.
And you can see
it wasn't a wrong decision.
TR: Which music do you like:
Kournikova: Mostly pop-music and especially Savage Garden.
TR: What do you like to do if you aren't playing tennis ?
Kournikova: I love a lot of other sports and art. I visit a lot os museums and concerts. I also like ZOO's. I can't sit still because I'm an very active person.
TR: Which injuries did you heve already ?
Kournikova: Last year a had a broken toe. I haven't been injured since.
TR: We wish you a lot of succes.
Kournikova: Thank you and see you.