An Anna Kournikova sighting in Paris

For Anna Kournikova fans, it's been a long Spring, and the wait continues into Summer. Sidelined with a foot injury since the end of February, Kournikova missed the entire clay court season, and will likely not compete on grass in 2001. That's bad news for the Kournikova faithful, anxious to see their favorite Russian starlet in action.

With each passing tournament that Kournikova misses, she loses more ground on the world's top players. Prior to this break, she had compiled a losing record against most of the Top 20 players, and coming back from injury will be increasingly more difficult as other players get tournament experience.

Critics and supporters alike are anxious for Kournikova to get healthy and once again join the tour. We anticipate, we wait, and then we're disappointed by yet another withdrawal. There is much speculation now that it isn't so much the stress fracture in her foot, but rather a confidence problem in her head.

Many athletes will tell you that it doesn't normally take five months to recover from a stress fracture. Since being off tour, Kournikova has seen Venus Williams overtake Lindsay Davenport for the No. 2 spot behind Martina Hingis, and also the resurgence of Jennifer Capriati, winner of this year's first two Grand Slams.

Tennis life is passing her by, and Kournikova may now be struggling with a bigger problem than an injured foot. Being off tour for most of this year, she is likely now lacking confidence in her game, especially against the big hitters. No longer a teenager, Kournikova is still winless on tour, and is now being surpassed by new teenage sensations, the likes of Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin.

Whether or not you are a Kournikova fan, you have to admit that she has made a positive contribution to the game. There is no doubt that she has the talent, and her conditioning has never been in question. She is one of the hardest workers on tour. Once ranked as high as No. 8 in the world, Kournikova has reached the quarterfinals in Australia and the semifinals of Wimbledon. She has also teamed with Martina Hingis, in doubles, to capture the Chase Championships twice, the Australian Open and Indian Wells.

Though she's only been off tour since February, Kournikova will have to mount quite a comeback if she is to rejoin the tour elite and stay within striking distance of the Top 10. The media knows that. Mother and coach, Alla, knows that. Anna knows that. Just how much we can expect of this 20-year-old is still to be seen. If Kournikova is able to overcome this challenge, it will say more about her character than any singles title.