celebrity

Three kids and no wedding: The ultra-private relationship of Enrique Iglesias and Anna Kournikova.

It's hard for celebrity couples in the public eye to maintain any sense of privacy or normality, but Enrique Iglesias and Anna Kournikova seem to have it figured out.

The Spanish singer and former Russian professional tennis player have been together for 21 years and share three children. But besides that, the couple have shared little information about their two-decade relationship.

Here's what we do know.

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Enrique Iglesias and Anna Kournikova first met in December 2001 on the set of the singer's 'Escape' music video, where Kournikova, then 21, played his love interest.

"I’ve never met her before, but I’m a big fan," Iglesias said before filming with Kournikova on MTV’s Making the Video.

"I’m sure a lot of guys want to meet her. I’m one of them. She’s beautiful, talented, great tennis player, you know, and I’m sure she’s going to be great in the video."

In August 2002, the couple made their red carpet debut at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York City. Iglesias was nominated for five awards at the ceremony.

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Image: Getty. 

In 2003, the couple walked their second and final red carpet together for the premiere of Iglesias' film Once Upon a Time in Mexico

It was the same year Kournikova retired from tennis.

Image: Getty. 

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The following year, engagement rumours swirled after Kournikova was spotted wearing a pink diamond ring on her ring finger at the World Team Tennis game. The two never confirmed or denied if they were actually engaged.

In May 2007, Iglesias told the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet that he and Kournikova had secretly married - and gotten a divorce.

"We're divorced. I am single now, but that's okay," he said, according to People. "I don't mind being alone."

But shortly after the story came out, his rep clarified it was a joke and "they are still together".

Earlier that year, the singer told People en Español that his romance with Kournikova was "the only serious relationship I’ve had in my life."

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But when asked whether he sees himself with her long-term, he said: "I don’t know. The only thing I can say is that, in my opinion, Anna, whether we are together or not, would be an ideal mother."

In 2008, Kournikova told People that she didn't see herself becoming a wife.

"I'm never getting married," she said before adding that "everything is good" with her and Iglesias. 

A few years later, in 2011, Kournikova told Women's Health that one of her goals was to become a mother.

"I absolutely want to have children, whether I have my own or adopt," she said. "I love taking care of people."

She also spoke more about her views on marriage.

"Marriage isn't important to me. I'm in a happy relationship - that's all that matters," she said. 

"I believe in commitment. I believe in being open and trusting each other and respecting each other completely."

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In a 2012 interview with Parade, Iglesias echoed those same sentiments.

"I've never really thought marriage would make a difference," he said. 

"Maybe it's because I come from divorced parents, but I don't think you love somebody more because of a piece of paper."

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When later asked about his comments on marriage, the singer told CBS Sunday Morning: "I didn't say that I don't want to get married.

"I don't know if I maybe came out the wrong way. What I said is that, 'We are extremely happy the way we are.' I'm not against marriage by any means."

He continued: "I have not ruled it out, but if you're happy, I don't think it will really make a difference. She's the coolest girl in the world."

In June 2016, Kournikova shared a rare photo with Iglesias and her younger brother, Allan Kournikova, on Instagram in while celebrating her 35th birthday.

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And in 2017, Iglesias shared details about his ideal day off with his partner.

"A day off for me is being at home on the sofa, watching TV with my girlfriend and our two pets - just having a good time," Iglesias told Ventaneando, according to E! Online.

"I would love to have children," he added. 

"Hopefully very soon. I think I'd be a good father, my girlfriend would be an even better mother, but I'd be a good father."

Two years later in January 2018, Kournikova and Iglesias announced they had secretly welcomed two children: a boy named Nicholas, and a girl named Lucy.

The twins were born on December 16, 2017.

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Months after debuting them to the world, Kournikova shared a throwback photo of herself at 37 weeks pregnant.

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She also shared a video dancing with her daughter to Iglesias' hit, 'Move to Miami'.

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Both Kournikova and Iglesias have spoken at length about their choice to keep their relationship as private as possible.

"Girls look at him. Guys look at me. It goes with the job, but it gets annoying when you feel violated. Just take the picture and be done," Kournikova told The Guardian in 2008.

"Hey, I took the money," she added, referring to the perks that came with becoming famous. "It's simple. If you don't want the attention, don't take the money."

While Iglesias told Today Tonight in 2011 that "it's not tough" to stay out of the public eye.

"I want my personal life to be as private as possible," the singer said. "And especially when you're with someone that's also known and in the spotlight."

"It's not that tough. You’ve got to have a sense of humour," he continued.

"[There have been rumours] I’ve been married about 28 times, have kids all over the world. I think I’ve got twins in Australia, in Perth. Truly, you just laugh at it."

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When speaking to E! News in 2014, he shared more reasons why he prefers it.

"When I go back home, I want to make sure that whatever goes on in my house, it's just for me and my loved ones that are with me right there. I need that," he said.

In February 2020, Iglesias and Kournikova announced they had welcomed their third children in January - a girl named Mary.

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When the couple occasionally discuss their relationship and raising children, they admit they have their good days and bad days.

"Like any couple, you still go through your ups and downs [when you become parents] and it’s not always perfect. But it is perfect in a way," Iglesias told The Sun in October 2018. 

"It’s incredible to watch her be such a great mother."

In May 2022, Kournikova shared the first ever snap of the family-of-five, who reside in Miami.

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"Happy Birthday to the most amazing Dad! We super love you!!!" Kournikova captioned the post.

It looks like keeping private works perfectly for them.

Feature Image: Getty/Instagram/@annakournikova.

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