Again.

Despite advancing to the semifinals of the Acura Classic in Carlsbad, Calif., she continues her 0-fer march in 113 attempts through the WTA.

Still, the media that covers her (someone needs to) continues to treat the No. 47th-ranked women's player as if she were the goddess Venus.

In yet another example of the media's bias toward the blond beauty (that is the only reason there is interest), a three-set victory by Saddlebrook's Jelena Dokic on Saturday made Kournikova out to be the victim.

Instead of touting No. 5-ranked Dokic's 6-7 (6-8), 7-6 (7-2), 6-0 victory and focusing on her play, excuses were found for Kournikova's loss.

Her thigh was wrapped. She had played five matches in five days. She was exhausted.

Dokic took advantage. (Mean, old Jelena picking on tired little Anna).

On and on, ad nauseum.

If this were a 1950s movie, Cary Grant and a half-dozen suitors would be scurrying clumsily to pull up a chair to catch the fainting object of their lust.

The media eventually may tire of Kournikova, who has been playing just well enough to keep interest in her simmering.

Even the WTA is enamored with Kournikova. The Web site invites readers to vote for their favorite player. Who's No. 2 on the list? No need to repeat the name, but it's an insult that she follows Martina Navratilova, and leads Jennifer Capriati with Venus Williams bringing up the rear at No. 4.

Oh, and the photos on the WTA Web page's lead story? They're not of Dokic, the semifinal winner who lost to Williams in Sunday's final, but of Kournikova, the loser. The attention she receives is an insult to the 46 players ahead of her in the rankings.

What other sport glamorizes a mediocre player?

October will mark Kournikova's seventh year as a pro. She has success in doubles to show for it. Guess here is her partner deserves the credit.

Last year she won $305,000, hardly enough to keep her in shampoo.

Remember, though, this is women's sports, and in this gender, beauty seems to count more than talent.

Ask Lindsay Davenport. Has anyone seen a commercial starring Venus or Serena lately?

No doubt Kournikova is a beauty, which is why her talent lies elsewhere.

Anna, snookie, take some advice. Hang up your Yonex MP-2i and create a racket out in Hollywood.

Trade game, set, match for lights, camera, action. You're sure to be a star.