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December 31, 2005
Anna @ Mississippi Gulf Coast / Anna & "Alternate Beauty" / sadness...
People Magazine Online features an article on Anna's recent visit to the Mississippi Gulf Coast (December 15th, 2005). See 2 new photos, courtesy of Nicole Lacour Young of the Boys & Girls Club of America and read Anna thoughts while visiting this region.
Thanx to "LlewellynOfGoleta"

Anna & "Alternate Beauty": Remember the book Anna was holding while leaving a gym on November 15th, 2005 (see pictures at the Official Messageboard's Members Photos >> "Anna's Post-Workout Shots ;)"-Thread)???
The author of the book, Andrea Rains Waggener, wrote an e-mail to "LlewellynOfGoleta" (official Messageboard-member). Very interesting. Read more at the Official Messageboard's "The Fans"-Section
>> "Andrea Rains Waggener Take On Anna Kournikova"-Thread

More: Waggener's Books' Website | article
Thanx to "LlewellynOfGoleta", "mernion"

sadness...: Well, I just wanted to let you know that I am very sad right now. Today, it's the last time of Anna's current Calendar 2005...! And there's no one for 2006 anymore...! After many many years I have to live with that I guess. So sad.

December 27, 2005
Anna "always a good sport" / great WMA 05 scan / new guestbook
India Times (based in New Delhi) ranked Anna on top of their "Ball Busters: Women who are always a good sport"-list. Take a look at the training image attached...the good old times...
Thanx to "LlewellynOfGoleta"

great WMA 05 scan: See this great scan from Anna at the WMA 2005 (polish tennis magazine).
Thanx to "Annablowsmeaway"

new guestbook: Finally, I deleted the old guestbook which was really messed up lately. Join the new one :-)

December 26, 2005
"Alternate Beauty"
Very very interesting - remember the pictures of Anna leaving a South Beach gym (Miami) on November 15th, 2005??? (one | two)
Anna hold a book in her left hand and, well, it was THIS book: "Alternate Beauty"!!! What's it about? How can I get it? | Image
Thanx to "mernion", "thalya_I"

December 24, 2005
Gimelstob about Anna / Happy Christmas / WMA 03 Video
Pro Tennis Player Justin Gimelstob writes articles??? Well, he did so and stated his comments about Hingis' and John McEnroe's comebacks and about Anna...:
He knows her from the early 90's (Bollettieri's Tennis Academy) and in his opinion she "completely sold out to fame and fortune." Her "breakdown was mental, not physical." Anna should admit "that it was easier to commit to a schedule of high-paying hit-and-giggle charity events, exhibitions and pro-ams..."! Read full article at the Official Messageboard's Tennis Forum
>> "Justin Gimelstob comments on Anna"-Thread
Thanx to "jojoseph"

PERSONAL COMMENT: Well, he knows Anna better than me and most of us - that's for sure. I think that his statements are true - at least parts of it. But after all, I really think that all her injuries were the main reasons for her to stop playing on the Pro Tour.

Happy Christmas: I want to wish everybody Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year. Celebrate with your friends and family and simply have a good time :-)

WMA 03 Video: Watch a great video of Anna as a co-host of the World Music Awards 2003 (31,12 MB / 2m25s / 672*368px) - awesome Anna. Video available at CelebWorld
>> Videos
>> "Fatxy X-Mas Post - Various Celebs (24V)"-Thread
Thanx very much to "fatxy"

December 23, 2005
Journal entry: Happy Holidays / Journal: Back from Biloxi / Rio-video
In her latest Journal entry ("Happy Holidays") Anna talks about the end of the year and, very interesting, she states that she appreciates our support and she also reveals that she takes a lot into the Official Messageboard quite often: "I do lurk a lot, but that shouldn't stop you from posting your honest opinions". Full Journal entry

Journal: Back from Biloxi: Anna visited Biloxi on December 15th for The Boys & Girls Club of America to see first hand the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. Quote: "Words can not describe the damage and destruction I saw", "It was heart breaking."
She visited 2 of the clubs that were affected by the hurricane. Furthermore, she attended 4 parties of the kids they were having in temporary locations. Anna handed out toys and candy and is looking forward to come back to this area: "I can not wait to go back and visit all of the friends I made while touring the area." Full Journal entry

Rio-video: See a video from the exhibition in Rio de Janeiro where Anna faced Martina Hingis - Anna helps drying the court, she looks very thin and unfortunately she obviously didn't play very well. In the beginning of set 2 she was forced to withdraw (blister on right hand) and she apologised for that.
Thanx very much to "vicky116"

PERSONAL COMMENT: Very interesting to see - I'd love to be there and see her in real life again (how many times have I already said that?). Hopefully she continues to play many exhibition/charity events at least.

December 18, 2005
WTT Smash Hits @ TTC / IMG vs "Anna's Army"-DVD
The Tennis Channel will replay and televise the entire coverage of the 2005 Advanta Smash Hits event from the Giant Center at Hershey, PA. There were also be televised highlights of the pre-match auction hosted by Elton John and Billie Jean King, and Anna's local visit to the Greater Harrisburg, PA AIDS Fund. Take a look at the TTC schedule:

December 18th: 4:00am / 7:00am
December 19th: 6:30am / 9:30am

IMG vs "Anna's Army"-DVD: Jane Musgrave (Staff writer of the Palm Beach Post (Florida)) reports the continued power struggle of securing their legal First Amendment rights on marketing their (Peter Geisler / Philip Johnston) recent documentary "Anna's Army," on DVD. Very interesting and in-depth report - read more
Thanx to "LlewellynOfGoleta"

December 17, 2005
Anna and Enrique at "Big Pink" / new WMA 03 HQ's / AKFS RSS News Feed
According to the "The Miami Herald", Anna and Enrique have been spotted at "Big Pink" restaurant on Collins Avenue in Miami Beach on December 8th, 2005. Both sat together in a booth and shared a salad.
Thanx to "Anna&Enrique"

new WMA 03 HQ's: Watch 3 awesome new HQ's of Anna at the World Music Awards in Monte Carlo (October 12th, 2003).
Thanx to "silippo", "Shadow pirate"

AKFS RSS News Feed: As of today, you can keep in touch with news about Anna via the AKFS RSS News Feed. Just copy this link to your RSS Aggregator and that's it :-) More infos

What do you think about the AKFS RSS News Feed??

December 16, 2005 (II)
Anna visited "war zone" / new report / msnbc about Rio-comment / 2005 Special
Anna did visit the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in Biloxi (Mississippi) on December 15th, 2005 - just as she told us in her latest Journal entry ("Back from Rio"). Anna described the scene as "A war zone here, I haven't seen anything close to it." She's visiting kids in South Mississippi and Louisiana on behalf of the Boys and Girls Clubs. Anna visited and talk with the kids at Waveland Elementary School in Mississippi and she also sang Christman carols with them! Read more
Later, Anna visited other elementary schools and local Boys and Girls Club centers throughout the area. She also ate dinner at Mary Mahoney's Restaurant in Biloxi. Watch videos (click on the videocamera icon)
Thanx very much "LlewellynOfGoleta"

PERSONAL COMMENT: Anna singing Christmas Carols - I'd love to see that. I like that she's doing so much humanitarian stuff, really.

new report: Mark Keist, Toronto Sun's Sports Columnist, wrote this report. Content: New Tennis Canada Commissioner Stacey Allaster about Anna's recently made "Comeback not out of the question"-statement. Furthermore, the article deals about the demanding WTA schedule, hard decisions that have to be taken etc.! Read more
Thanx to "LlewellynOfGoleta"

msnbc about Rio-comment: In the "Trash Talk - Sports Commentar with attitude from Michael Ventre"-section you can read a report about the comment Anna made at the Rio-press conference.
Thanx to Steve Miller

2005 Special: I will offer a "2005 summary" like in previous years within the first days of 2006.
Plus: I am working on a Flash-based animation with all "Comeback/Retirement-related" statements/comments since 2003. This should be very interesting.

Any Suggestions?

December 16, 2005
new Journal entry: Anna visits Mississippi / more Rio-pics / 2005 Special
In her latest Journal entry ("Back from Rio") Anna talks about her experience at the exhibition in Rio and the injury she suffered ("Unfortunately I had to retire from the match late in the first set due to an injury on my right hand.") and she also told us that the Boys and Girls Club of America invited her to Mississippi this week "to see first hand the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina." Read the full Journal entry

PERSONAL COMMENT: NO word concerning her "I'm not looking forward to play professionally again, at least right now"-statement she made at the Rio Press conference on December 9th :-(

more Rio-pics: See 19 additional photos from the exhibition in Rio at Abaca USA photo services. Just scroll down and click on "Anna Kournikova"
Thanx to "LlewellynOfGoleta"

Any Suggestions?

December 11, 2005
Anna withdrew after 1:6 in 1st set :-( / Press conference
After 1 set of play at the Rio Exhibition match vs Martina Hingis Anna withdrew and the match was over :-( First of all, the match was delayed 1 hour due to rain and at the Warm Up (where Anna asked Hingis to change sieds 3 times (why that??)) Anna also helped drying the court with towels (great pictures).
The match: Well, according to "carling" (member of Official Messageboard / she was so lucky to be in Rio and saw the match LIVE) Anna didn't play very well and she lost the 1st set 1:6 :-( She asked for the doctor to get treatment for blisters in her right hand. After that, Anna lost the first game of the 2nd set and she gave up :-( Read "carling"'s full report and view the awesome pictures at the Official Messageboard's Members Photos
>> "Anna & Martina exhibition game in Copacabana beach HQs"-Thread
Thanx to "carling", "akfan2"

PERSONAL COMMENT: Lucky "carling" - I would have loved to be there as well

Press conference: See more pictures from Anna and Martina at the press conference in Rio de Janeira (December 9th, 2005) at the Official Messageboard's Members Photos
>> "Anna uand Martina Hingis Press conference in Rio de Janeiro Brazil Dec 9"-Thread

PS: Another comment from Anna at this press conference regarding a possible return to the Pro Tour: "The possibility is not completely out of the question"... | Read more
Thanx to "Anna&Enrique", "LlewellynOfGoleta"

PERSONAL COMMENT: ...but it's more than unlikely :-(

December 10, 2005
Anna: "I'm not looking forward to play professionally again..." / Press conference
This is so sad...Anna said THIS at the Rio-press conference on December 9th: "I'm not looking forward to play professionally again, at least right now.". . . .
Plus: "Tennis will already win a lot with her (Hingis) return."

PERSONAL COMMENT: Well, this is basically not a surprising comment but somehow I was really hoping that Martina's comeback would have an influence on Anna...! Obviously that's not the case. I am feeling very sad about this "definitive" comment right now - regardless the fact that she's not playing on the tour for more than 2 1/2 years already. I was really hoping that Martina would somehow convince her to try it one more time on the Pro Tour...somehow...! Obviously Anna has other plans...! I wasn't really hoping to hear something like "Yes...perhaps I will return just like Martina in the next months" but I was really hoping that she wouldn't make SUCH a "No, I won't return"-comment :-(
But hey Anna: What about a Pro return in Doubles with Martina??? I would love to see you playing Doubles again and I am sure I am not the only one...

December 9, 2005
Exhibition site & news / Richmond HQ's
WOW, what a location. Take a look at the tournament site in Rio de Janeiro where Anna will be playing vs Martina Hingis on December 10th - it's awesome because the tournament site is at the Copacabana Beach, just a few metres aways from the ocean!!! Pictures: one | two | three
PLUS: According to "Wojtek" (member of WTA World Messageboard) there will be an online LIVE SCOREBOARD of the Anna vs Martina-match which is going to start at 9:00pm local!
Thanx to "Wojtek", "LlewellynOfGoleta"

December 8, 2005
Anna about Rio-trip / Press conference / Richmond pic
Awesome: In her latest Journal entry ("Off to Rio") Anna talks about her experiences at Mexico (OMEGA event) and Richmond (Exhibition with Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick) and she also talks about her new trip to Rio de Janeiro where she will be playing against Martina Hingis on December 10th. Quote: "It should be just like old times". Exhibition in Rio de Janeiro

Interesting: She refers to her last Exhibition she played in Brasil (in Sao Paulo on November 25th, 2000) and back then, her opponent was Martina Hingis as well - Martina won this match 5:7, 6:1, 6:4.

PERSONAL COMMENT: 5 Journal entries within a month - that's awesome and well, I really would like to know if there is a special reason for that? I am very happy that Anna keeps us so informed these days.

Press conference: There will be a Press conference in Rio de Janeiro with Anna and Martina on December 9th. "virex" (Member at WTA World Board) stated that he will be at this press conference and in his Thread we all can submit questions we would like Anna to answer. "Virex" will try to ask Anna the best questions.

Richmond pic: Finally - the first picture from Anna at the Richmond exhibition (December 2nd, 2005).
Thanx to "marysia5"

PERSONAL COMMENT: Where are the HQ's???

December 4, 2005
Anna and Martina to play in Rio? / Richmond exhibition pic / Enrique about the hurtful rumours
Reports about Hingis' press conference (where she announced her comeback plans) state that she is going to play an exhibition vs ANNA KOURNIKOVA in Rio de Janeiro "next week"...! I don't speak spanish but all I found were spanish websites and I think the exact date is December 10th, 2005. Many other well-known tennis players will be participating in this event which will already start on December 5th (when my interpretation is correct). Do YOU know more about this event?? | Spanish article | Another spanish article | Martina Hingis' Press conference

PERSONAL COMMENT: Anna said nothing about this tennis event in her latest Journal entry and I don't understand that. Plus: Still no pictures available from the Richmond exhibition - Strange things happen these days.

Richmond exhibition: Unfortunately, Anna and Andy Roddick lost at the Genworth Children's Advantage Classic - 7:8 (4:7) was the score vs Andre Agassi/Steffi Graf. Plus: Anna also took part in a tennis clinic in the afternoon. Read more: Richmond Times Dispatch | Daily Press

PS: The event will be televised on The Tennis Channel at the following dates:

December 17th: 5:00pm/8:00pm and 8:00pm/11:00pm
December 18th: 6:00pm/9:00pm
December 26th: 3:00pm/6:00pm
December 29th: 7:00am/10:00am and 10:00pm/1:00am
December 31st: 8:00am/11:00am and 3:00pm/6:00pm
Thanx to "LlewellynOfGoleta"

PS 2: NO PICTURES AVAILABLE 2 DAYS AFTER THE EVENT - Photographers not allowed anymore???? Do you know more?

Enrique about the hurtful rumours: Well, obviously Enrique made a comment regarding the recent rumours about his plans to make his own range of small condoms because is "out of regular size". Quote: "It's not true and hurtful to me and my girlfriend." Read more

PERSONAL COMMENT: The whole story is absolutely ridiculous.

December 3, 2005
Richmond exhibition / Memphis news / Anna was in Mexico City / Marat Safin gives credit to Anna
Unfortunately, Anna and Andy Roddick lost at the Genworth Children's Advantage Classic - 7:8 (4:7) was the score vs Andre Agassi/Steffi Graf. Plus: Anna also took part in a tennis clinic in the afternoon. Read more: Richmond Times Dispatch | Daily Press

PS: The event will be televised on The Tennis Channel at the following dates:

Memphis news: Anna is scheduled to play at the Cellular South Celebrity Challenge Mixed Doubles Charity Tennis Event, together with Nicole Vaidisova, James Blake, Robby Ginepri, Mike and Bob Byran. This charity event will take place on February 20th, 2006, 5:30pm local.
Read more: Memphis Commercial Appeal | The Racquet Club of Memphis | Regions Morgan Keegan Ch'Ships & the Cellular South Cup
Thanx to "LlewellynOfGoleta"

PERSONAL COMMENT: Remember Anna's donations to the St.Judes Hospital back in 2002 and 2003??? Great to hear that she's going to play Tennis this time.

Anna was in Mexico City: Anna was in Mexico City on November 30th. Why? The forthcoming opening of Omega's 26th flagship boutique at Mexico's prestigeous Masaryk Avenue. She was invited to model the latest creations of Ivonne Cohen and Carlo Demichelis, two glamourous Mexican fashion designers, combined with the Swiss watchmaker's most recent timepieces and exquisite jewelry. Anna also donated her Omega De Ville Chocolate, the brand's most recent timepiece, to Mexico's children, through UNICEF Mexico. Read more and view pictures
Thanx to "LlewellynOfGoleta"

PERSONAL COMMENT: Well, Anna is beautiful but obviously she lost a lot of weight :-((((

Marat Safin gives credit to Anna: Marat Safin has been interviewed by Sports Express-mag (November 05-issue). Quote: "I have known Anna since we were six, I like her a lot...The fact that a person decided to make such drastic changes in life talks of nothing but her strength. To quit everything you’ve lived for, for 15 years and try to do something new is very hard. I wouldn’t have managed to do it even if I had opportunities like hers." Read more
Thanx to "Dinkie"

December 2, 2005
Hingis-comeback / new Poll
What a wonderful surprise - Martina Hingis officially announced that she is going to return to the WTA Tour. Quote: "I was never happy that I was forced to retire due to my injuries. I miss the game and the challenge to compete at the highest level. I want to find out if I can stay healthy and if I am able to keep up with today's top players." Read more

PERSONAL COMMENT: Great - the "Swiss Miss" returns. She and Anna are friends and for sure she told Anna about her comeback plans at the WTT Smash Hits event. Perhaps she can convince Anna to try a comeback as well. HOPEFULLY...

new Poll: Martina returns to the Pro Tour. Can she convince Anna to try it once again??? VOTE.
Result of the last poll (before Hingi's comeback-statement):

Well, I agree!

December 1, 2005
Richmond news / new Journal / Memphis / new picture / new BAMBI 2003 pictures / Anna & Enrique eating / "101 Sexiest Celebrity Bodies" / Anna mentioned in Staff Editorial
Lucky Americans - The Tennis Channel shows a 1-hour-highlight program of the Genworth Advantage Childrens Classic tennis exhibition where Anna will be playing together with Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf and Andy Roddick on December 2nd. How to get access to the Tennis Channel? Well, for Santa Barbara it's Cox Cable channel 249.
Here's the TV schedule:

new Journal: In her latest Journal Entry Anna talks about her work for OMEGA in Mexico City (2 photoshoots) and well, after that she will be playing at Richmond. About playing vs Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf she said: "It should be so much fun playing against such a legendary pair." Full Journal Entry

PERSONAL COMMENT: I would love to see her playing in Richmond, especially because she plays vs Andre/Steffi!

Memphis: Anna is scheduled to play at a tennis charity event in Memphis in February 2006. She'll appear in the Cellular South Celebrity Challenge. Other tennis players at this event: Nicole Vaidisova, James Blake, Robby Ginepri, Mike and Bob Byran. This charity event will occur during the February Regions Morgan Keegan Championships and the Cellurar South Cup at the Racquet Club in Memphis.
Read more: Memphis Commercial Appeal | The Racquet Club of Memphis | Regions Morgan Keegan Ch'Ships & the Cellular South Cup
Thanx to "LlewellynOfGoleta"

PERSONAL COMMENT: Remember Anna's donations to the St.Judes Hospital back in 2002 and 2003??? Great to hear that she's going to play Tennis this time.

new picture: Take a look at a very lovely picture of Anna and Martina at the WTT Smash Hits event (November 7th, 2005)
Thanx to "LlewellynOfGoleta"

new BAMBI 2003 pictures: See a bunch of new HQ images from Anna's appearance at the Bambi Media Awards back on November 27, 2003.

Anna & Enrique eating: Once again, the Paparazzis have found Anna and Enrique while they were eating somewhere. Pictures available at the Official Messageboard's Members Photos
>> "Anna at the table :D"-Thread
Thanx to "thalya_I"

"101 Sexiest Celebrity Bodies": Another more or less useful TV show about, well, the Sexiest Celebrity Bodies...Anna just ranked 61??? Come on guys, she's definitely No.1 (see the video).
Thanx to "patatazia"

Anna mentioned in Staff Editorial: Anna's mentioned in this article about "Female athletes run fewer health risks". Read the article
Thanx to "LlewellynOfGoleta"