July 24, 2002

Kournikova wins!: 6-3, 6-2 over Smashnova (what a name) in the Bank of the West Classic held at Stanford University. Is this a sign of better things for the tennis aspect of Ms. K's career?

posted by worldcup2002 to tennis at 02:56 PM - 9 comments

there are no pictures in that article

posted by mick at 05:36 PM on July 24, 2002

here you go, mick:

posted by worldcup2002 at 05:51 PM on July 24, 2002

Which career, worldcup2002? According to most diehard tennis fans, Kournikova is a disgrace to the sport. She used her limited tennis ability to propel her modelling career.

posted by BlueTrain at 06:42 PM on July 24, 2002

Anna is still upset about the outcome of Fox Sports' poll. (self link)

posted by owillis at 08:01 PM on July 24, 2002

In a word, worldcup: No. Anna Smashnova (from Israel) isn't exactly a difficult opponent, and it's not as if Kournikova has lost in the FIRST ROUND of the last 108 tournaments. If she gets to the quarters or semis, then we can talk turnaround.

posted by somethingotherthan at 08:29 PM on July 24, 2002

Well, not like, ahem, I'm a great fan of Ms. K, but I did hear it mentioned during her Wimbledon doubles match against the Williams sisters that she's been pretty successful in the doubles. But, it was added, that's 'coz she picks really good partners. So, yes, not quite an endorsement of her tennis skills. Nevertheless, I was trying to be tongue-in-cheek w/ this post but I guess it didn't show. I'm surprised at some of the vehemence of the posts. Really, you should be ashamed of yourselves, letting a little eye candy get in the way of your enjoyment of the sport. ;-)

posted by worldcup2002 at 12:02 AM on July 25, 2002

Though Kournikova's singles career is a disappointment, she has been ranked as high as No. 4 in doubles and won several tournaments with former partner Martina Hingis, including at least one Grand Slam event. Considering that, I don't think she's anything close to being a disgrace to the sport.

posted by rcade at 12:09 AM on July 25, 2002

And she has reached the Wimbledon semis in 1997, and the 4th round in 99. Yes, it's been awhile since she's done that well, but I think anyone who can enter a grandslam tournament and at least win a couple of rounds, certainly deserves to be there.

posted by corpse at 08:29 AM on July 25, 2002

Thanks for backing up with real stats, rcade and corpse. Now I can say, "Don't hate her 'cause she's beautiful." Hehehehehehehe.

posted by worldcup2002 at 11:27 AM on July 25, 2002

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