NNA Kournikova ventured Down Under in January, looking surprisingly nervous for the cameras. Posing with All Black Jonah Lomu, the rugby player who has the notable taste of living in the same area as Lucire publishers and producers as well as the special effects’ geniuses behind Lord of the Rings, she rapidly learned enough to charm New Zealand fans. Aside from tennis, this is Kournikova’s stock in trade: the public face that many of us have to don when our jobs alone do not define what our audiences see of us.
   Rumoured to have $5 million worth of contracts, with principal sponsors Adidas, Yonex, Berlei, Terra Lycos and Omega (right), Kournikova entered the country ranked 74th (after a period of injury), but women’s tennis became overtook the traditional staples of rugby and cricket that week. There is even a Basic Elements fitness video.

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