Anna Kournikova Sparks Concern in Wheelchair During Rare Miami Outing with Daughters

Former tennis superstar Anna Kournikova, once celebrated as much for her athletic prowess as her global celebrity status, has ignited widespread concern among fans after being photographed in a wheelchair during a rare public appearance in Miami. The 43-year-old, accompanied by her daughters Lucy and Mary and a group of friends, was seen shopping at the upscale Pal Harbor Shopping Center on January 28, 2025. Clad in casual black athleisure with her hair pulled into a sleek top knot, Kournikova appeared in good spirits despite the visible orthopedic boot on her foot, hinting at a recent injury or surgery. The sighting, shared widely on social media by fan accounts like @ArabEiFans and @FanClub_Kourni, quickly became a focal point for speculation about her health, reviving discussions about her storied career and private life post-retirement.

Kournikova’s sudden return to the spotlight — albeit unintentional — marks one of her few public outings in recent years. Since retiring from professional tennis at just 21 years old in 2003 due to chronic back and spinal injuries, she has deliberately stepped away from the glare of fame, choosing instead to focus on her family. The Miami sighting, however, thrust her back into the headlines, with fans dissecting every detail of the candid photos. The orthopedic boot, coupled with her use of a wheelchair, fueled theories about a possible sports-related recurrence, an accident, or a surgical procedure. Despite the buzz, neither Kournikova nor her representatives have issued an official statement, leaving her condition shrouded in mystery.

The Russian-born athlete’s career, though brief, left an indelible mark on tennis. Bursting onto the scene in the late 1990s, Kournikova became a household name not only for her skills on the court — she achieved a career-high singles ranking of No. 8 in 2000 and won two Grand Slam doubles titles — but also for her striking looks and magnetic off-court persona. Dubbed the “world’s sexiest athlete” by media outlets, she graced countless magazine covers and became a trailblazer in athlete branding, leveraging her fame into lucrative endorsements. Yet her career was cut short by persistent injuries, with a herniated disc and stress fractures ultimately forcing her retirement. While her time in professional sports was fleeting, her influence endured, paving the way for future athletes to merge sports success with commercial appeal.

Since leaving tennis, Kournikova has embraced a fiercely private life alongside her longtime partner, Spanish pop icon Enrique Iglesias. The couple, who met in 2001 while filming the music video for Iglesias’ hit single *Escape*, have built a quiet family life in Miami, raising their three children away from the public eye. Though they’ve never officially married, Iglesias has referred to Kournikova as his “wife” in interviews, emphasizing that their commitment transcends legal formalities. The pair welcomed twins Lucy and Nicholas in 2017 and their youngest daughter, Mary, in 2020. Iglesias, who continues to tour and release music, has occasionally opened up about parenthood, marveling at how quickly their children are growing. *“In 24 hours, they’re already grown,”* he told the *Daily Mail* in a recent interview, reflecting on the joys and challenges of raising a young family.

The Miami shopping trip offered a rare glimpse into Kournikova’s current priorities. Her daughters, dressed in matching outfits, added a touch of playful charm to the outing, their presence underscoring her role as a hands-on mother. Yet the otherwise ordinary family moment was overshadowed by the unanswered questions about her health. Fans and media outlets alike scrambled to connect the dots, revisiting her history of injuries and speculating about whether this setback was linked to her past struggles. Social media platforms buzzed with supportive messages, with one fan tweeting, *“Seeing Anna like this breaks my heart, but I’m glad she’s surrounded by love. Get well soon, legend!”*

Kournikova’s journey from Wimbledon darling to reclusive matriarch has been marked by intentional distance from fame. Unlike many retired athletes who remain in the public eye through commentary roles or business ventures, she has avoided interviews and red carpets, opting instead for charity work focused on children’s health and animal welfare. Her partnership with Iglesias, while a subject of fascination for tabloids, has been guarded fiercely, with the couple rarely photographed together outside of controlled settings. This deliberate privacy has only amplified public curiosity, making her sporadic appearances all the more noteworthy.

The recent images of Kournikova in a wheelchair have also reignited conversations about the physical toll of professional sports. Her career, though glamorized, was fraught with the kind of injuries that often haunt athletes long after retirement. Fellow tennis stars like Martina Navratilova and Andy Murray have spoken openly about their post-career health struggles, and Kournikova’s situation serves as a reminder of the sacrifices inherent in elite athletics. While her current condition remains unconfirmed, the episode highlights the fragility of the human body — even one that once seemed invincible on the court.

For now, fans are left hoping for clarity and a positive update. Kournikova’s legacy, however, remains untarnished. To a generation of tennis enthusiasts, she symbolizes an era when the sport began to intersect more boldly with pop culture. To her family, she is the cornerstone of a life built on love and privacy. Whether this outing signals a temporary hurdle or a more prolonged challenge, one thing is certain: Anna Kournikova, the athlete who once captivated millions with her talent and charisma, continues to command attention — not for the titles she won, but for the resilience she embodies in navigating life’s unpredictable twists.