LJWorld.com / Kournikova coming to K.C.

Archive for Wednesday, July 16, 2003

Anna to play Friday on Plaza

J-W Staff and Wire Reports

July 16, 2003

Having a marquee name such as Anna Kournikova will benefit the Kansas City Explorers' attendance.

The low-key matches could help Kournikova as well.

"At Wimbledon, she'd be in front of the whole world," Explorers general manager Jeff Launius said.

"In World Team Tennis, it's a team concept. If she's healthy, she will play singles, doubles and mixed doubles to get back her game."

Kournikova, who has never won a WTA singles event and has been hampered by a series of injuries, was the first pick in the league's marquee-player draft.

Her success as an international celebrity has earned Kournikova millions of dollars in off-court endorsements.

She's expected to play for the Explorers tonight at Philadelphia, Thursday at St. Louis and Friday at home against St. Louis.

"She's the most sought-after celebrity athlete in the world, and she has a national ranking in doubles and singles," Launius said. "She'll bring excitement and enthusiasm and hopefully she'll work her way back."

Matches feature men's singles and women's singles, men's and women's doubles and mixed doubles. The team that wins the most games wins the match.

The Explorers -- who used to call Kemper Arena home -- play their home matches at the 2,500-seat, outdoor Plaza Tennis Center.

For ticket information go to www.kcexplorers.com or call (913) 362-9944.