Kournikova denies posing nude

NEW YORK: The agent for Russian tennis player Anna Kournikova has denied that she withdrew from upcoming tournaments in Germany or that she posed nude for Penthouse magazine.

"She never was entered, so she never withdrew," agent David Schwab said of the tournaments in Hamburg and Berlin. "You can't withdraw if you are not entered."

Kournikova, 20, is on a five-match losing streak and still looking for her first tournament championship.

As for a 10-page layout in the June edition of Penthouse magazine, complete with topless pictures, Schwab denied the shots were of his client.

"The magazine has committed numerous violations of Miss Kournikova's rights, including portraying her in a false light," Schwab said. "We will take all appropriate actions to protect our client's name, rights and image."

Walter Knapper, tournament director of the Hamburg event, which starts on Tuesday, said Kournikova had requested a wild- card invitation and had been granted one last month. Schwab didn't dispute Knapper's explanation but said there is a difference between asking for a wild card and entering the tournament. --AP