It's Getting HOT In Here

In the last decades, tennis courts have become hotter than catwalks. The early 90s saw Argentinian Gabriela Sabatini emerge as the most beautiful player ever to have graced this sport. Immediately after her retirement, a teen sensation from Russia stole the show. Backed by her remarkable run to the Wimbledon semis in 1997, Anna Kournikova quickly turned into the media darling. Fan's all around the world were enchanted by the flirty, sexy teenager who bewitched crowds whenever she made an appearance. These two players are the pioneers who transformed tennis from a pure athletic sport into a beauty pageant. Sabatini had a strong career behind her. Kournikova on the other hand never rose to the expectations. However, her legacy is so strong that she'll always be mentioned among the world's best champions.

The below list comprises five of the sexiest tennis player of all time. All of them are still in their 20s, although some have hanged up their rackets, retiring prematurely due to injury. 

Exotic Ana

Ana first burst into the scene in 2005 by making it to the quarter-finals of the French Open. She was a bit chubby then, but even so she managed to arouse people's interest. As her tennis got better, so did her looks. In 2007 when she became the first Serb player to reach a Grand Slam final at Roland Garros, she was already a top contestant for the sexiest player title. Although the competition was fierce, Ana had an advantage. Her results on court kept improving and after winning Roland Garros and making it to number 1 a year later, she became the hotter player ever to reach the top position. She had the world at her feet, but unfortunately, immediately after, a string of negative events saw lose her grip. In 2010 she reached a dead end when slipping out of the top 50. She managed to get herself together by winning two tournaments and making it back to the top 20 by the end of the year.

photos (top-down / left-right): ?, Sports Illustrated (x4)

Demonic Anna

As mentioned, Kournikova was always a good player, but she never really fulfilled her potential. After her incredible run at Wimbledon, everyone was expecting her to make it one step further and play, even win, Gland Slam finals. Unfortunately for her fans, the Russian bombshell, never even won a title, although she played several finals. Even so, her constant top 10 rankings ensured she was hanging out there with the best, enabling her to capture all the attention. At one point, her successful partnership with Martina Hingis ended because the two Divas fought about who should get the most coverage. Kournikova reportedly told her Swiss partner: "you might be world number 1, but I am the star of the team". The duo managed to get pass their differences and joined forces to win two Australian Open trophies. Anna wasn't a magnet only for the press, but also for sponsors. Big companies paid millions of dollar to have the beautiful Russian endorse their products. She basically opened the door for the young generation who nowadays gets more money from advertising than from tennis prizes. Although she quit in 2003, Anna will always be remembered for her persona. She brought sex-appeal, charisma, good looks and the much needed attention this captivating sport was lacking.

photos (top-down / left-right): ? (x2), Sports Illustrated (x3)

Angelic Maria

I got to know Maria Kirilenko as this sweet, angelic Russian teenager who was wearing unique Adidas outfits. Later on I found she was the spokesperson for the Adidas by Stella McCartney brand. One of the most promising player of her generation, Maria remained incognito for a long period of time. Being over-shadowed by her most famous colleague, Maria Sharapova, Kirilenko had to fight hard to capture people's attention. Although she experienced some success in tier 2 tournaments winning a few, her true breakthrough came when least expected. In 2010, in Melbourne, she turned her first round match against Sharapova around and emerged victorious. This win made all the difference in the world to Maria. Relieved of the pressure of always being the underdog in the battle with her nemesis, Maria made it all the way to the quarter-finals, her first Grand Slam appearance. The remaining season was good, consisting of steady results. She played the final of her hometown tournament in Moscow and returned to the top 20. Although she lost her deal with Stella McCarthy to Caroline Wozniacki, Kirilenko remains one genuine fashionista on and off the courts. A really nice person who still has time to shine.

photos (top-down / left-right): ? (x2), Sports Illustrated (x4)

Brilliant Brunette Sorana

Sorana is a really interesting case for me. I am usually not into Romanian players. They are all promising, especially the young generation, but for one reason or another they never deliver. Sorana proved at Roland Garros in 2009 that she has the stamina to fight against the top player and to come out on top. After dismissing Jelena Jankovic, the young Romanian made it to her first Grand Slam quarter. An impressive result considering she was among the first within her generation (i.e. a generation that includes amid others the Dane Caroline Wozniacki) to accomplish this feat. Since then she struggled with a lack of form, barely hanging in the top 100. Her youth is her main advantage though and I can only hope that, in time, she will learn how to make use of her huge forehand. That shot is definitely one that can help her reach top 15 if she remains consistent. 

photos (top-down / left-right): ? (x2), GETTY IMAGES (x2)

Naughty Tatiana

With Tatiana, it was always about her moods. At times she played unbelievable, stunning, looking capable to make it to number 1 in the world. Soon after, her game fell apart and you were left wondering how can a top tennis player play so poorly. In this roller-coaster ride, one thing always remained constant: she really enjoyed her time on the court. She seemed this funny, likable teenager looking to have the time of her life. Success didn't come as soon as expected though. The 2007 season was her best. Unfortunately, it was also her last. She won two titles, pushed Justine Henin (i.e. the undisputed world number one at the time) all the way in two fierce battles and things seemed to be heading in the right direction. Sadly, at the start of 2008 she picked up an injury that ended her career. Although she's only 23 and genuinely missed, there are no signs of her attempting to return to the tour anytime soon.  

photos (top-down / left-right): FHM (x2), Sports Illustrated (x6)