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12th annual American Red Cross "Legends of Tennis" event - Reading (USA)
Phone interview from Miami prior to the event
March 14, 2006

 

 

"I like to use my public profile for good causes, to try to bring awareness, especially to kids."

About children:

"I've always had a passion for children. We get caught up in our own lives, but children are our future. If we'd all do a little bit, a few minutes a day, an hour a week, the world would be a better place.

"I know that sounds like a cliche, and I don't want to sound naive, but if we don't make time and money (for our children) . . . they're our future."

About a comeback:

"I might come back; I'm only 24. I have not closed the door on that possibility."

About her career and injuries:

"I started playing as a pro at 14, and I achieved more when I was younger, when I didn't have so many injuries. But once I turned 16, every year following that I had some sort of serious injury. I never played a full schedule. But I'm not trying to defend myself or make excuses as to why I didn't produce certain results. I look at the positive side, at what I have achieved."

About being in the public eye:

"It's something I'm very used to. First of all, I don't remember life being any other way. Obviously it can get very tough, but that comes with it. I accept it."

"Sometimes they write horrible things about you; sometimes there are great things written. You just have to stay grounded and try not to get affected. I'm a human being and it does affect me sometimes, but I take it a day at a time, and if I didn't want to be in those situations, I probably shouldn't lead a public life."

"But my problems, my living in the public eye are nothing compared to what's going on in some parts of the world. When I have a bad moment, I think of those people and they lift me up and give me strength. I think of how strong people are in dealing with the tsunami or Hurricane Katrina or having a sick child in the hospital. I figure if they can be strong, we all can be strong."

 

 

 


Find out more at Anna's offical website:
www.kournikova.com