Kournikova misses a huge opportunity

Anna Kournikova took to the court for the first time since being sidelined with an injury that kept her out of competition for a good portion of 2001. And what a great opportunity it was. Another opportunity missed.

Kournikova entered the ASB hardcourt tournament in Auckland as the 71st-ranked player in the world. Though she hasn't won a tournament, most would agree that she is better than her current ranking. Her mission was clear. To prove that her hard work and training has paid off.

First round, Cara Black. Kournikova had never lost to Black, and beats her again in straight sets.

Second round, No. 7 seed American Amy Frazier. No problem. Kournikova won their only other previous meeting, and again sweeps in two sets.

Quarterfinals. Now things start to get interesting. Kournikova faces the 69th ranked Emmanuelle Gagliardi. The two have never met, and are ranked nearly the same. There's a lot on the line in this match. Kournikova pulls it out 7-5 in the third.

On to the semifinals, and more importantly, another step closer to that elusive first title. Anna Smashnova is her first obstacle. What a name for a tennis player! A player Kournikova handled easily in their first meeting. After this match, the only thing standing in the way of Kournikova and her first title would be fellow-Russian No. 5 Tatiana Panova or a qualifier. It looks like smooth sailing ahead.

Except that Smashnova was on a mission. The same mission as Kournikova. To win her first tour title. Smashnova didn't let a small thing like No. 71st ranked Kournikova worry her a bit. She was all over Kournikova, winning easily in two sets.

What a great accomplishment for Smashnova. Coming into the tournament unseeded, and not dropping a set on her way to victory.

But what about Kournikova? What better opportunity will she have to pick up a tour title? The highest ranked players in this tournament weren't even in the Top 20. This one was hers to take, and she didn't. Or she couldn't.

One might wonder if she has fully recovered from injury. So many months off the circuit may leave your game a bit rusty. It can also play games with your head. Does Kournikova really believe she has what it takes to win, or does she play just good enough?

This may be a telling year for this popular starlet, and first indications are that she has a lot of ground to make up.