Kournikova courts success ---- on Web

By: MARC FIGUEROA - Staff Writer | Saturday, February 24, 2007 11:34 PM PST ∞

Although I read Playboy for the articles, toss out my annual copy of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue because it has nothing to do with sports, and frequent Hooters restaurant for the chicken wings, there's no denying one indisputable fact: sex sells.

If it didn't, Hugh Hefner would just be a dirty old man in pajamas, Viagra would be a placebo, and Anna Kournikova would be just another washed up tennis player.

The Russian-born blond bombshell always has been known more for her looks than her game. She did reach No. 8 in the world tennis rankings in 2000, but has never won a WTA singles title. Yet at one time, her name was by far the most searched name on the Internet and a 2001 computer virus named after her almost brought the online community to its knees in the U.S. and Europe. You really think guys were clicking to check out her backhand?

We haven't heard much from Kournikova lately ---- although I see her everyday since a work friend of mine refuses to take down his Anna calendar from 2003 ---- so I went searching for her the other day (you know, for the articles). I found her at www.kournikova.com and quickly learned that although she's yesterday's news at the ripe old age of 25, Kournikova is still as gorgeous ---- I mean active ---- as ever.

Cool stuff

> This is Kournikova's official site, and Anna obviously is no dummy. She knows what sells too. There are plenty of photos ---- from both on and off the court ---- for pixel pinheads like me. Wanna bet which ones generate the most clicks? Trust me, it's not from the Family Circle Cup.

> Surprisingly, Kournikova blogs to her fans quite often ---- a rarity for superstars. But it's mostly about fashion shows and exhibition tennis matches. And she did post a picture of herself in curlers preparing for a commercial shoot. But let's face it, she could post a photo of herself in a suit of armor and it would sell.

Check at the door

> Kournikova hasn't competed since 2003 and it's been about that long since she graced a magazine cover. The site has all this information by the way, which is cool. But it also portrays Kournikova as a has-been. She is, of course, but she's still a hottie, so who cares.

The grade

Many elements of the site are outdated and obviously could use some sprucing up. On its face, it's an average Web site. But with Anna's face, it's worth four out of five mouses. Sex does sell, after all.

Marc Figueroa prays Anna Kournikova doesn't pull a Britney and shave her head. He can be reached at marcfig@aol.com.