For Enrique Iglesias and Anna Kournikova, there’s been no escaping each other’s love.
It seems that some overzealous fans of the “Hero” singer, despite never having tried, often fail to remember that he has been married for decades. This oversight can lead them to get too close to him during performances, even when his wife – mother of his three children – is present right there.
In a chat on Hits 1 Miami with Mack & Jen last year, Iglesias (turning 50 on May 8) shared that he enjoys showing affection to his fans through hugging, kissing, and such closeness. Regarding this, he asked Kournikova, aged 43, if she was comfortable with it, to which she replied, “Yes, I’m completely fine. He’s on stage.
In late 2001, the Grammy-winning artist and the tennis champion had a chance encounter. This was when Anna Kournikova portrayed Enrique Iglesias’ love interest in his popular music video for “Escape”. Despite some complications that needed to be addressed before they could spend eternity together…
It was game, set, perfect match.
In an interview with People in October 2023, Iglesias explained, “When we first crossed paths—even though she hails from the sports industry—our backgrounds somehow resonated with each other. She had insights into my world. I had some comprehension of hers. This shared understanding was incredibly beneficial.
And at some point, they agreed that theirs would be a world unto themselves.
In a heartfelt statement from 2001 during the Making of the Video feature, I found myself admiringly expressing that she was stunning, gifted, and an exceptional tennis player. To add, acting alongside Anna didn’t require much skill; trying to make our shared kisses feel authentic was as natural as it gets.
From that point on, they continued the practice of feigning modesty – however, once they started producing offspring, it indicated that their extremely private relationship was thriving.
In an interview with The Sun back in October 2018, Iglesias marveled at the amazing way his partner was caring for their 10-month-old twins Nicholas and Lucy. He expressed that it’s simply incredible to observe a mother at work, especially when her maternal instinct takes over.
When asked if having children had affected their private time, the singer told the tabloid that “our intimate moments remain vibrant.
Daughter Mary was born Jan. 30, 2020.
As their third child came into the picture, Kournikova started using Iglesias as her last name on Instagram, which fueled rumors (given she’d been sporting an engagement ring on that finger for years) that she had tied the knot with the singer. This was surprising since she had consistently maintained she wouldn’t get married.
Over time, speculation about whether we’re still a couple has shifted from jibes to heartwarming glimpses into our family life via Instagram – yet we remain discreet about revealing the intimate aspects of our romantic journey.
It might be wise to hold back a bit if a video starts with a kissing scene, as it could satisfy the audience’s curiosity for a while.
Despite posting a sneak peek of Iglesias’ “Subeme la radio” video in February 2017, Kournikova’s Instagram before having children primarily showcased her dedication to fitness and a serious bond with her beloved dogs. Similarly, Iglesias’ Instagram prior to becoming a father was focused on touring, music, interacting with fans, and spending time with his cherished canines.
On October 9, 2017, both he and Anna each sent birthday wishes to their dog Jack. Interestingly, this happened two months before they themselves were born on December 16. At that time, the couple hadn’t yet let anyone know they were expecting, although in retrospect, they had been taking pictures secretly (it was later disclosed that they were indeed capturing these moments as they found out they were pregnant).
To this very moment, they continue to maintain a discreet approach towards their partnership, yet the role of dogs in their lives remains significant – on special events, however, they are not shy about acknowledging one another publicly.
In 2022, on his birthday, Kournikova shared an uncommon picture featuring the whole family of five. She referred to Iglesias as a fantastic father and expressed their deep affection with the words, “we adore you so much!!
On that special occasion of Mother’s Day, just like any other lifestyle expert would, I took to social media and shared a heartwarming video. It was none other than my own family moment, captured beautifully, where my partner and our daughter were seen having an adorable mommy-daughter dance party in our spacious backyard. As if to add to the charm, our beloved pet was present right up front.
In her latest update, she shared a post dating back to last Father’s Day, which was a heartfelt tribute to her partner, accompanied by three pictures capturing moments with their children and Iglesias.
But about the things that needed sorting out before they settled down…
At the time when Kournikova and Iglesias initially crossed paths, she was just 21 years old and had been romantically connected with two Russian ice hockey players, Pavel Bure and Sergei Federov, intermittently since her teenage years, around the age of 16.
Initially, it’s mentioned that they first encountered each other when she was fifteen in Moscow, and Federov was about 11 and a half years older at the time. Later on, Kournikova shifted her residence to Florida for tennis training. As she progressed as a player and her model-like appearance made her a popular endorsement figure and a favorite among men’s magazines, Federov often found himself in the spotlight with her.
Despite her denial of a rumor suggesting they secretly tied the knot in Russia in July 2001 (“ring watch is timeless,” she said), Federov stated to The Hockey News in 2003 that they had indeed been married, though only for a short period and are now divorced, with no contact between them anymore.
It was even whispered that she might have been in an engagement with Bure, a man she knew through the Russian national team, all the way up to 2000. However, both Bure and Kournikova, with Bure being a decade older than her, publicly denied any such engagement.
On her website, Anna Kournikova clarified once more that she is currently unmarried. Previously, in 2003, when asked about her marital status by the Telegraph, she chose not to discuss it, stating, “I’d rather you find out for yourself.
In 2005, speaking with ESPN.com, Federov reiterated that he and Kournikova were once married for a short period. He also mentioned that their relationship was often misconstrued, experiencing both ups and downs.
According to Federov, one of the best aspects was that we were both Russian. For a long time, there was no romantic connection. When we first met, she was still young. Our friendship blossomed as our families became compatible, sharing many similarities in our lives. We lived alike, had much in common, and easily understood each other. This friendship grew, as we were in the same professional and social circumstances.
According to Federov, the progression to romance came as a surprise to him.
The athlete shared with ESPN that we spent several days in each other’s company. Anna seemed intrigued, which took me by surprise since she was younger and seemed to be on a different life path than mine. However, upon reflection, I realized what an exceptional individual she is, so I decided why not give it a try? And so, we began dating. It was challenging as her work often required her to travel globally, while my games took place in numerous cities.
It’s not surprising that, given her early career drama, Anna Kournikova and Enrique Iglesias, the son of a globally recognized entertainer accustomed to tabloid stories, tend to keep their relationship out of the limelight and avoid seeking excessive attention beyond what comes with being a celebrity couple.
In an interview with TopMob News in March 2014, Iglesias acknowledged, “It’s only natural to wonder if I’m married, dating someone, or have children, given my public profile.
He mentioned, “Upon returning home, I want to ensure that everything happening within my household is exclusively for myself and the people I am physically with at that moment. It’s something I need.
By the close of 2001, Kournikova and Iglesias had crossed paths, although it’s unclear if they ever considered marriage beforehand. In January 2002, their steamy “Escape” music video was released (as Iglesias put it during its production, “We’re aiming to pack as much passion into this video as we can”), and they attended the MTV Video Music Awards together in August of the same year.
The stars just seemed to favor this duo, who chose Miami as their permanent residence. They cherished sports, sunshine, and water activities, and they knew well the experience of being under media scrutiny and traveling extensively for prolonged periods.
Due to recurring injuries, Kournikova left competitive tennis in 2003 (although she didn’t win a singles title, she boasted 16 victories in doubles competitions, including two Grand Slam titles). Despite this, she kept participating in exhibitions and other sporting events for many years. She continued to be one of the most popular figures in sports media.
2011 saw Kournikova express to the Los Angeles Times, as she became a trainer on The Biggest Loser, her familiarity with being scrutinized, evaluated, and criticized throughout her life. She described this experience as excruciating, especially since she was just a child at that time. On one hand, she faced criticism for being overly attractive; on the other, for not meeting beauty standards. The mere suggestion of weight gain would spark more criticism. Additionally, she was criticized for her tennis skills, despite putting in all my effort and knowing deep down I was giving it my best.
In 2004, whispers of a secret marriage between her and Iglesias swirled (which they both denied), and in April 2007, he expressed to People en Español that he wasn’t certain if they were destined for matrimony or even a fairy-tale ending. “The only thing I can say,” he added, “is that, in my view, Anna, regardless of whether we are together or not, would make an exceptional mother.
The next month, he clarified things more for people, allegedly telling Sweden’s Aftonbladet that not only did they split up… “We’re legally separated. I am currently single, but that’s fine,” he was reported as saying. “I have no issue with being on my own.
However, Kournikova’s representative clarified that the singer was just kidding about their breakup, and they had been in a relationship for five years. Meanwhile, the athlete initially held private opinions on the matter but eventually felt at ease to express them publicly.
In 2008, Kournikova expressed to People magazine that she would not be marrying anyone, yet clarified that things were going well for her personally.
In 2008, she openly shared her personal viewpoint about preserving privacy with The Guardian, expressing, “Men tend to ogle him, while women check me out. It’s part of the job, but it becomes bothersome when one feels invaded. Snap the photo and move on,” hinting a certain indifference.
“I’m not married, not pregnant, didn’t have a boob job, no Botox. What else?” she offered.
That being said, Kournikova wasn’t accompanying herself on a tiny violin.
She admitted, “I accepted the payment,” alluding to the benefits associated with her silent understanding to be under scrutiny in the limelight. “It’s straightforward. If you prefer to avoid the spotlight, don’t accept the compensation.
2010 saw Anna Kournikova affirm on The Graham Norton Show that she and Enrique Iglesias were not contemplating marriage. She expressed they were content with their relationship, stating “We’re good—we’re great…Being together for eight years, it feels much like being married compared to many Hollywood pairs.” Katy Perry, another guest, concurred, saying “Common law now.
However, in 2011, Kournikova expressed her desire to become a parent in an interview with Women’s Health, stating, “I would like to have kids, either biologically or through adoption. Caring for others is something I truly enjoy.
She went on to say, “Marriage doesn’t hold much significance for me. What truly matters is my current happiness within my relationship. I stand by the principles of loyalty and dedication. I value openness, trust, and mutual respect in our bond.
Finding a like-minded partner is also key.
In a 2011 interview with Today Tonight, Iglesias expressed his preference for keeping his personal life as confidential as feasible. He particularly emphasized this need when one is involved with someone else who is well-known and under public scrutiny.
He continued, “It’s not overly difficult,” he said with a grin. “All you need is a good sense of humor. I’ve been married approximately 28 times, and my children are scattered across the globe. In Australia, I believe I have twins in Perth. Honestly, you just find humor in it.” (In 2014, he joked about divorce again – he must be skilled at dad jokes – when he told reporters in Los Angeles, “I just got divorced three days ago and I wanted to give you the exclusive. I’m serious. Please don’t laugh.”)
Although getting married wasn’t something we had planned immediately, the appearance of those stunning diamond rings on Anna Kournikova didn’t escape my notice, even if it wasn’t at the top of our priorities yet.
In an interview with Parade magazine back in 2012, Iglesias shared that he had never viewed marriage as something that would significantly change his feelings. He added that perhaps this perspective was influenced by his upbringing, having parents who divorced, and he doesn’t believe that love intensifies just because of a marriage certificate.
In 2016, I emphasized the same point to TopMob News, and I subtly hinted, “The future is uncertain, as is the past, haha.” This phrase implies a sense of mystery about what may happen in both timeframes.
Born as the youngest child among four, Enrique hails from the family of legendary Spanish singer Julio Iglesias and his first spouse, Maria Isabel Preysler-Arrastía. Despite sharing a tumultuous bond with his father who later had five more children with his second wife, Enrique expressed deep admiration for Elvira, the caretaker who stepped in when his parents couldn’t be present. In an interview with The Guardian in 2010, he acknowledged that it was Elvira who dedicated her life to him and his siblings. Now, he takes care of her in return.
2014 saw Julio express to The Mirror that he had not personally encountered Kournikova, but he was whole-minded in his support for their pairing.
The singer mentioned that his children are quite self-reliant, making it challenging for him to spend time with Enrique as he’s constantly traveling globally. However, he finds their choice in Anna, who is strikingly beautiful, to be exceptional, reflecting their good taste.
Iglesias’ family, which includes his mother, siblings, stepmother, and step-siblings, had already met him. According to Julio, he felt assured that his son was thriving. Simultaneously, Iglesias’ mom, sister, and brother all displayed their joy upon the twins’ birth.
During her pregnancy, Anna didn’t need to adhere to any bed rest regulations, as reported by Isabel Preysler to Hola! She’s been living an uncomplicated, cozy life without the need for concealment.
As a lifestyle aficionado, I must confess that Enrique Iglesias wasn’t your everyday spectator during Anna Kournikova’s tennis career, perhaps choosing to keep a low profile and avoid becoming a distraction. However, they shared a mutual interest in the sport, often found themselves enjoying matches together. In 2004, their love for tennis was captured by photographers at the Los Angeles Tennis Center. Fast forward to 2009, they made another appearance, this time at what is now known as the Miami Open on Key Biscayne, where they were captivated by Serena Williams‘s game.
2007 saw him being asked if he could compete with Kournikova in any sport, to which he assured Sports Illustrated, “Any sport apart from tennis and wrestling. Her reflexes are remarkably quick. If you toss something at her, she’ll catch it without fail.
Speaking about his relationship with an athlete, Iglesias expressed a newfound respect for athletes that multiplied a thousand-fold. He explained, “In the music industry, you can begin whenever, at 18 or 19 years old.” However, he added, “To become an athlete, you must start when you’re just four or five. The level of dedication, the countless hours spent, mentally and physically – it’s immense. Sometimes your mind is eager for it, but your body simply can’t keep up.
He went on to say, “Anna showed me the town in Russia where she grew up,” he added, “and if you visit the house she lived in, you can reach out and feel its walls all around you. From there, she spent every day playing for eight hours a day since she was just five years old. To me, it’s hard to comprehend. In my opinion, she is the most remarkable person I have ever encountered.
They’ve traveled extensively around the globe for vacations, resembling glamorous celebrities, yet they manage to maintain an appealing normalcy. Instead of globetrotting on dates, they often opt for low-key activities closer to home. This could involve watching a Miami Heat game or simply dining out, or even taking their boat out (which is quite common in Miami Beach).
Indeed, following the whispers of their split in 2013, it wasn’t long before photos of them together on a boat surfaced, effectively putting those breakup rumors to rest.
Kournikova mentioned during an appearance on the Graham Norton Show that they encounter typical relationship problems like any other couple. When asked about Iglesias leaving damp towels around, she humorously admitted, “Yes, and you’ll find underwear, socks, and various dirty items scattered here and there.
“At least it’s Enrique Iglesias’ dirty underwear,” Norton quipped. “Put it on eBay.”
In simple terms, Enrique Iglesias stated during a CBS Sunday Morning interview in April 2014 that he tries to maintain his personal life as private as he can because he believes it’s important for him to do so. This is another way of expressing the original sentence with more natural and easy-to-read language.
In response to queries about his previous statements on marriage, he explained, “I never declared that I have no desire to marry. Perhaps I expressed myself incorrectly. What I actually stated was, ‘We are incredibly content as we are.’ I am in no way opposed to the idea of marriage.
He added, “While I haven’t definitively decided against it, if you’re content, I believe it won’t significantly alter things. She’s simply extraordinary, the world’s coolest girl.
Additionally, you’ll find pictures that capture moments from their 23-year long romance as you continue reading. Enjoy witnessing their love story unfold through these photographs.
In the video that Anna posted in September 2021, the trio consisting of the couple’s 3-year-old twins Nicholas and Lucy, as well as their 19-year-old daughter Mary, went for a ride to help publicize Enrique’s album titled “Final”.
Enrique shared this adorable pic of himself with twins Nicholas and Lucy.
On their third birthdays, the happy couple commemorate twins Lucy and Nicholas by posting unique photos of them on Instagram.
The two welcome their third child, a daughter, on Jan. 30, 2020.
Anna Kournikova plays with the couple’s twins in 2018.
They’ve been together for a whole ten years and they’re still as solid as ever! Back in 2011, they were seen strolling hand-in-hand on the beautiful shores of Miami Beach.
In September 2010, photographs were taken of Anna and Enrique, who chose not to discuss their future plans, at a sporting event featuring the Miami Dolphins versus the New York Jets.
In 2009, during the Sony Ericsson Open, the couple closely followed Venus Williams’ match against her sister Serena, all while rumors circulated in the media about their engagement, as they had been together for quite some time.
Back in 2006, Paparazzo captured an intimate scene of the duo enjoying a game between the New Jersey Nets and the Miami Heat. It was speculated that they had already tied the knot in secret.
In 2006, it was evident that the couple couldn’t conceal their affection as they were photographed departing from a restaurant in Florida.
In 2003, a daring young pair attended the New York premiere of “Once Upon A Time in Mexico”. Whispers started circulating that they had exchanged vows in secret, but neither side confirmed this speculation.
Back in 2002, I found myself rightfully stealing the limelight alongside my then-new partner at the MTV Video Music Awards, a little over a year into our romance that had ignited the previous year.
Enrique and Anna began their romantic relationship towards the end of 2001, following their encounter during the filming of his sensual music video titled “Escape”.
Read More
- Solo Leveling Season 3: What You NEED to Know!
- Rachel Zegler Claps Back at Critics While Ignoring Snow White Controversies!
- OM PREDICTION. OM cryptocurrency
- Oshi no Ko Season 3: Release Date, Cast, and What to Expect!
- Captain America: Brave New World’s Shocking Leader Design Change Explained!
- Oblivion Remastered: The Ultimate Race Guide & Tier List
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Meta launches ‘most capable openly available LLM to date’ rivalling GPT and Claude
- How to Get to Frostcrag Spire in Oblivion Remastered
- Fantastic Four: First Steps Cast’s Surprising Best Roles and Streaming Guides!
2025-05-08 13:18