Rising Tennis Star Dubbed the Next “Anna Kournikova” Dies During Practice

An up-and-coming tennis star, who was dubbed the next Anna Kournikova, has reportedly died during a practice session. According to the report, 23-year-old Violetta Degtiareva died from heart failure.

"I can hardly believe it," the 20-year-old close friend and fellow tennis player, Anastasia Vdovenco wrote on Facebook. "Rest in peace."

News regarding her death did not spread rapidly despite her rising popularity. Degtiareva was one of the highest-earning athletes on the Tennis Federation pro circuit.

Although she was ranked 1,084 as a singles player at the time, Degtiareva was getting a good amount of fame and attention due to her looks. Her ranking as a doubles player was slightly higher at 905.

Degtiareva's most notable career finish was when she reached the quarterfinals of the ITF-Turnier pro-circuit tournament held in Turkey. She has never won a grand slam title.

The Russian media outlets did not disclose where Degtiareva was training at the time of her death.

Degtiareva was born in the southwestern city of Rostov, near the border of Ukraine.