Kournikova makes Orange County debut

Bryce Alderton

Anna Kournikova, the 23-year-old blond Russian racket and fashion

star, will make what is believed to be her first appearance in a

competitive tennis event in Orange County in Monday’s World Team

Tennis Smash Hits at UC Irvine’s Bren Events Center.

But it might not be the last time Kournikova, who has played WTT

for the Kansas City Explorers the last two summers, steps onto a

court in the county after saying she has enjoyed her stint in the pro

league thus far and would like to continue in the circuit.

“The fans in every WTT market create a great environment to play

in,” said Kournikova, winner of 16 career professional doubles

titles, including two Australian Open crowns.

WTT’s franchise in Newport Beach, the Breakers, won the league

championship in just their second year of existence in August. The

Breakers play at Palisades Tennis Club.

Kournikova, making her second Smash Hits appearance, did not play

when the Explorers faced the Breakers at Palisades in July, but is

eager to step on the court Monday.

“I’m excited about playing for Orange County fans who appreciate

the World Team Tennis format,” Kournikova said.

Kournikova and eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi will

face Wimbledon runner-up Andy Roddick and Tracy Austin for one set of

mixed doubles, sandwiched between the men’s doubles and men’s singles

portions of the event.

Agassi, Darren Cahill and Kournikova comprise Team Elton, coached

by recording star Elton John, while WTT founder Billie Jean King will

guide Austin, Roddick and Brad Gilbert.

The match consists of one set each of men’s doubles and mixed

doubles while Roddick and Agassi will cap competition with two sets

of singles.

King and John will play one set against one another to kick-off

the festivities at 7 p.m.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation and

the National AIDS Fund.

Charity, as much as tennis, drew Kournikova back to Smash Hits.

“It’s important that we all give back when we have the

opportunity,” Kournikova said. “This is a fun way to help a lot of

people.”

* For tickets, call the Bren Center ticket office at (949)

824-5000, or Ticketmaster at (714) 740-2000.