TENNIS Seles can't fault fame of Kournikova

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The fact that Anna Kournikova has achieved widespread fame without winning a single tournament causes resentment among many players on the women's tour.
Monica Seles isn't one of them.
After beating Kournikova 7-6 (7-6), 6-4 Saturday night in the Minnesota Tennis Challenge, Seles scoffed at the suggestion that there's any animosity toward the 21-year-old Russian, whose known more for her beauty than her forehand.
"I don't think there's animosity. My gosh, that's a strong word to use," Seles said after the exhibition match. "She's dedicated her life to this sport. She's one of the hardest workers on tour."
And if Kournikova's fame is based on a pretty face, not a French Open or a Wimbledon title?
"It's understandable," said Seles. "But she's a gorgeous girl. What can she do about that? She can't just hide her face."
Seles pointed out that Kournikova was ranked as high as eighth in May 2001 before an ankle injury slowed her down. Now 35th in the WTA rankings, Kournikova is getting ready for the 2003 season. She hasn't won a Grand Slam singles match since the 2001 Australian Open.
Her goal?
"To stay healthy, go back and try to play a full season this time," Kournikova said.
The same goes for Seles, the nine-time Grand Slam winner who was hampered by a foot injury this year and lost in the quarterfinals in each of the last three majors. She's ranked seventh.