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Anna Kournikova   |   Maria Sharapova
Anna Kournikova
For a few years, she ranked as one of the most recognisable women on the planet, on court or off. And even though she has now retired from competitive tennis, there can be no denying that the devilishly attractive Anna Kournikova is one of the most influential role models women's sport has even seen.

It goes without saying that, in terms of looks, she’s simply stunning! Cool 'n' casual (left), bikini-clad (right), dressed for the occasion or on-court in her Adidas attire, Anna K turned heads and sent mens' pulses racing, regardless of the environment she happened to be gracing.

What's more, she knew it, and still does, as even though she's hung up her racquet, she remains a much admired global phenomenon!!

That's what I like most about Anna the person - her sheer presence. She's a class act  - a very attractive young woman who oozes charm, personality and self-confidence, who knows her own worth, and, hey, she's sexy - is that something for which she, or any of the sporting role models featured in the Sporting Role Models section of Ultimate, come to think of it, should be ashamed?

It's a shame that she never got to grace the winner's circle in a women's singles event. For that reason, people will always consider her to have been all style and no substance ... she doesn't deserve that charge, for mine. What this young lady has done for the overall image of tennis, and, indeed, women's sport, however, cannot be underestimated.

When it comes to outstanding personalities and role models in sport generally, and women's sport in particular, few can bear comparison with Anna Kournikova over the years, although she has a more than worthy successor to the throne in her fellow Russian superstar with whom she shares the limelight in this section of the site.