Recent pictures of Anna Kournikova in a wheelchair spark concerns about her health

Former tennis player Anna Kournikova's most recent pictures sparked concerns about her health. The 43-year-old was once regarded as a very talented player but could not deliver consistent performances on the court.

Kournikova’s recent pictures sparked concerns about her health. The former world number eight was seen for the first time in two years in public. She appeared in a wheelchair, which raised concerns about her well-being.

Kournikova, who retired from the sport in 2003, in an interview soon after quitting the sport, revealed that she has suffered immensely from a back injury sustained in 1997. "In '97 I had a stress fracture and was out for three months,” she said back then. "In 98 I had a torn ligament in my thumb and was out for three months; in 99 I had another stress fracture for three months. In 2001 I didn't basically play the whole year."

Later, in 2011, Kournikova revealed that injuries played a huge part in her decision to retire from the sport just eight years after becoming a professional player. "My back really forced me to stop. It got so bad; I couldn't tie my shoes, literally. I would be in excruciating pain,” she said back then.

Kournikova finished her career without winning a title in the singles category. Her most impressive outing in a major event in the singles category was in 1997, where she was knocked out after losing in the semifinal to former world number one Martina Hingis in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-2. However, she was more successful in the doubles category as she won the Australian Open two times — in 1999 and 2002.

Kournikova was very successful off the court, becoming a famous model and TV personality. She has been in a relationship with famous Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias. The two have three children together.