5 Shocking Reasons Anna Kournikova Was Seen In A Wheelchair And Her Current Health Status In 2025

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The sight of former tennis superstar Anna Kournikova being pushed in a wheelchair during a rare public appearance sent shockwaves across the globe, immediately sparking intense speculation about her health. Given her history of career-ending injuries, fans were instantly concerned that the Russian icon was facing a severe, long-term medical crisis. The reality, however, is a blend of a minor, recent setback and a long-standing battle with chronic issues that forced her off the professional circuit years ago.

The viral photos, which surfaced in late January 2025, showed the notoriously private celebrity in Miami, accompanied by her children, wearing a medical boot and requiring assistance for mobility. This article cuts through the rumors to provide the confirmed reason for her use of a wheelchair and offers a comprehensive, up-to-date look at the current health and private life of the former World No. 1 doubles player.

Anna Kournikova: Full Biography and Profile

Anna Sergeyevna Kournikova is one of the most recognizable figures in tennis history, known for her powerful forehand, electric celebrity status, and pioneering role in the sport’s commercial appeal. Her career, though brief, was marked by incredible highs and persistent physical challenges.

  • Full Name: Anna Sergeyevna Kournikova
  • Date of Birth: June 7, 1981
  • Place of Birth: Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union (now Russia)
  • Nationality: Russian
  • Height: 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
  • Professional Career: 1995–2003 (Retired from the WTA Tour due to injuries)
  • Career Highlights: World No. 1 in doubles (2000), Two-time Australian Open Doubles Champion (1999, 2002) with Martina Hingis. Reached the Wimbledon singles semi-finals in 1997.
  • Partner: Enrique Iglesias (long-term relationship since 2001)
  • Children: Three—Twins Nicholas and Lucy (born December 16, 2017), and daughter Mary (born January 30, 2020).
  • Current Residence: Miami Beach, Florida.

The Truth Behind the Wheelchair Sighting in 2025

The pictures of Anna Kournikova in a wheelchair, taken at a shopping center in Miami—reportedly the Bal Harbour Shops—became an instant talking point. For a star who lives a highly private life away from the spotlight, this rare appearance fueled immediate, widespread concern. However, within days, the official reason was clarified, alleviating much of the fan anxiety.

It Was a Minor Foot Injury, Not a Career-Threatening Crisis

The most important detail to emerge was the nature of the injury. Anna was not suffering from a recurrence of her debilitating back problems, but rather a temporary issue.

  • The Injury: A minor foot injury or small sprain.
  • Visible Aid: She was seen wearing a protective orthopedic boot (or walking boot) on her leg, which is standard treatment for such sprains or minor fractures.
  • The Need for a Wheelchair: The wheelchair was a practical necessity to keep weight off the injured foot while navigating a public space like a shopping center, ensuring a quick and proper recovery.

A reassuring update came from a family source—specifically, Isabel Preysler, the mother of her long-term partner, Enrique Iglesias. Preysler confirmed to reporters that the injury was "nothing serious, just a minor foot injury," adding, "It's a small sprain, but you know how painful those can be." This statement was crucial in calming the fears of millions of fans who remember her early retirement from the professional circuit.

Anna Kournikova's History of Chronic Injuries and Early Retirement

To truly understand the public's immediate alarm over the wheelchair photos, one must look back at Anna Kournikova's professional tennis career. Her time on the WTA Tour was famously cut short by a series of persistent, severe physical ailments, primarily affecting her back and spine.

The Real Reason She Retired from Professional Tennis

Anna Kournikova retired from professional tennis in 2003 at the age of 22, a decision driven by chronic, debilitating injuries, not a lack of talent or desire.

  • Spinal Problems: Her primary battle was with serious back and spinal problems.
  • Herniated Disk: The most significant diagnosis was a herniated disk, a painful condition where one of the rubbery cushions between the vertebrae slips out of place. This type of injury is particularly devastating for an athlete whose career depends on rotational power and explosive movement.
  • Persistent Pain: The chronic pain and the inability to train and compete at the elite level ultimately made continuing her singles career impossible, leading to her early retirement.

While she never won a singles title, her success in doubles, where she achieved the World No. 1 ranking with her partner Martina Hingis, cemented her legacy. Her struggles with injury serve as a powerful reminder of the physical toll professional sports take on the body, making any news of a new ailment—even a simple sprain—a cause for concern among her long-time followers.

Current Health Update and Private Family Life in 2025

Following the brief period of speculation surrounding the wheelchair and medical boot, the most recent reports suggest Anna Kournikova has fully recovered from the temporary foot injury.

Life in Miami: Motherhood and Privacy

Today, the focus of Anna Kournikova’s life is firmly on her family and her role as a mother of three. She and her long-term partner, Latin music superstar Enrique Iglesias, are known for their fierce commitment to privacy, especially regarding their three children: twins Nicholas and Lucy, and their youngest daughter, Mary.

The family lives a quiet, luxurious life in Miami Beach, Florida, away from the constant scrutiny that defined her early celebrity status. Both Kournikova and Iglesias occasionally share glimpses of their children on social media, but they are highly selective about their public appearances.

A Recent Health & Family Milestone

A recent, highly-circulated report in 2025, which coincided with the news of her minor injury, suggested a new family milestone. While not officially confirmed by the couple, some outlets reported that Anna Kournikova was expecting her fourth child. This news, if true, would be a major development for the famously private couple and further underscores her current status as a dedicated mother rather than a former athlete battling a severe health crisis.

The brief episode of Anna Kournikova being seen in a wheelchair was, therefore, an overblown media moment based on a simple, temporary injury. Her use of a medical boot and wheelchair was a sensible precaution for a minor sprain. For fans, the current reality is a positive one: the former tennis icon is healthy, fully recovered, focused on her family, and enjoying her life in Miami, far removed from the pressures and physical demands of the professional WTA Tour. Her legacy, however, continues to inspire, both for her athletic achievements and her resilience in managing chronic health issues.

anna kournikova wheelchair
anna kournikova wheelchair

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