The sport of tennis was created at some point during the 12th century. In those days rackets were not used, instead, the ball was struck with the palm of one's hand. Finally, when the 16th century finally rolled around, rackets would finally be introduced. Since that time the sports has grown into an international spectacle. Professional tennis features some of the greatest athletes on the planet. Moreover, it also features some the most well-conditioned and physically-fit females in the entire world of sports.

When it comes to great-looking women, the sport of tennis is second to none. There is no shortage of female tennis stars that could easily pass for fitness or even runway models. These ladies spend countless hours training on the court and oftentimes, a great-looking physique is an unintended, yet welcomed side effect. In fact, many of the beautiful women you are about to see have modeled for various magazines. Furthermore, some of them have even appeared on television shows and commercials. These women put a lot of time and effort into their bodies, so it's only natural that they would want to show them off. As you are about to find out, there is no shortage of tennis stars who enjoy a little fun in the sun. With that in mind, let's take a look at 15 photos of the hottest tennis stars in swimsuits that you need to see.

15 15. Anna Kournikova

When Anna Kournikova was in the prime of her tennis career, some felt she got a bit more attention than her level of play warranted. If you take a quick glance at this photo, you can probably guess why. She is an extremely attractive woman, to say the least. Her career in tennis ended prematurely due to a back injury. However, she was still able to take home around $3.5 million in winnings, so it certainly wasn't a total waste of time. If you were a guy who went to college in the early-2000s, it's very likely you had an Anna Kournikova poster in your dorm room. She also appeared on the television reality series, The Biggest Loser. Despite a relatively short career, Anna Kournikova is still one of the best-looking women to ever set foot on a professional tennis court.

14 14. Dominika Cibulkova

At 5-foot-3, Dominika Cibulkova is significantly smaller than many of the women on the list. However, when is comes to looking great in a bikini she certainly does not come up short. Born in Bratislava in the former Czechoslovakia, the 27-year-old has won over $10 million over the span of her career. She is currently ranked number four in the world, which is the highest she has even been ranked since her career began. She is known as an avid dog lover and even brings her Yorkshire terriers with her on tour. Dominika Cibulkova proves that you don't need to 6-feet-tall to be a successful woman in the sport of professional tennis.

13 13. Elina Svitolina

This gorgeous young right-hander has born in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Since turning pro in 2010, Svitolina was accumulated almost $5 million in prize money. She is sponsored by Nike and multiple European apparel companies. The 22-year-old's favorite surfaces include clay as well as grass. She appears to be just now entering her prime as she was ranked number 10 in the world as of February 27, 2017. Svitolina also competed in the most recent Olympic Games. The Ukrainian looks gorgeous, yet approachable, in the above photo. She is currently the highest ranked Ukraine player in the world and arguably the best-looking one as well. Elina Svitolina will no doubt be the pride of the Ukraine for many years to come.

12 12. Victoria Azarenka

Victora Azarenka is yet another gorgeous gal who hails from the former Soviet Union. However, today you are more likely to find her on the beaches of Monte Carlo, Monaco where she currently resides. The 6-foot-tall stunner has won a fortune in prize money. Azarenka was won well over $28 million. She has won two mixed doubles Grand Slam titles and is also an Olympic bronze medalist. She was even ranked number one in the world back in 2012. Azarenka is considered an archrival of both Maria Sharapova and Venus Williams. However, both women have gotten the better of Azarenka throughout their careers. Win, lose, or draw, Victora Azarenka is always a pleasure to watch on the court and looks pretty good in a bathing suit as well.

11 11. Maria Kirilenko-Stepanova

Maria Kirilenko-Stepanova is yet another beautiful woman from Russia. There must be something in the water there. Speaking of "in the water," the former number 10 ranked player in the world looks amazing frolicking through the ocean in this photo. It's probably no surprise that the Russian modeled for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2009. Stepanova has had an outstanding career in tennis. She was ranked as high as number five in the world at one point in doubles competition. Moreover, the Moscow native took home an Olympic bronze medal during the London games back in 2012. She was the face of the shoe company Adidas for several years also. At 30 years of age, Maria Kirilenko-Stepanova still looks amazing and is one of the hottest tennis players ever.

10 10. Ana Ivanovic

Ana Ivanovic was born on November 6, 1987 in Belgrade, Serbia. The 6-foot-tall stunner currently resides in Basel, Switzerland. She recently retired, having walked away from tennis in 2016. However, after winning over $15 million during her career she won't be needing a part-time job to supplement her income. It must be an amazing feeling to be retired at the age of 29 while still being young and beautiful. She was ranked number one in the world in 2008 and won the French Open the very same year. Her biggest rival during her career was arguably Jelena Jankovic, who is also Serbian. Ivanovic is 9-3 against Jankovic in head to head competition. There are definitely going to be some fans out there that will miss watching Ivanovic compete.

9 9. Eugenie Bouchard

If there had ever been a title created for the hottest woman in tennis, Eugenie Bouchard would very likely be the reigning champion. The native of Montreal, Quebec has gained more than a few admirers during her time in the spotlight. The 5-foot-10 beauty is 23 years old and has already won over $5 million playing pro tennis. Bouchard was able to get the attention of some big name companies like Nike and Coca-Cola, she has endorsement deals with both. Eugenie also has a twin sister who is only a few minutes older. One lucky fan was even able to score a date with Bouchard by winning a bet regarding the outcome of the Super Bowl with her via Twitter. Apparently, Bouchard honored the bet stating on Twitter; "I will do it, I stay true to my word". What a lucky guy!

8 8. Serena Williams

Serena Williams is probably the most famous female tennis player on Earth. She has accumulated an eye-popping $84 million worth of winnings, making her the all-time leader in money earned. Number 2 is Maria Sharapova with just over $36 million, giving Williams a pretty firm grip on the record. Williams is 5-foot-9 and has a more muscular physique than some of her fellow tennis stars. However, as you can tell by the photo, she still looks outstanding in a bathing suit. On December 29, 2016, Williams announced she was engaged to entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian. Williams, 35, who was born in Saginaw, Michigan, is easily among the hottest Americans in all of women's tennis. As of March 20, 2017, she is currently ranked number 2 in the world.

7 7. Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova is one of the biggest names in all of women's tennis. She was born in Nyagan, Russia SFSR, in the former Soviet Union. There is no denying that Russia has produced some of the best looking females in all of sports, and Sharapova is certainly among them. She is not only incredibly hot, but also very wealthy. In fact, she has won over $36 million in prize money and that isn't even taking into account her endorsement deals. Moreover, at 6-foot- 2, Sharapova is more than tall enough to model professionally. The photo emphasizes the Russian beauty's signature long legs. When she is not playing tennis she is working on building her candy company, Sugarpova. Sharapova is athletic, wealthy, and a savvy businesswoman who looks great in a bikini.

6 6. Arantxa Rus

This Dutch star stands a 5-foot-11 and was born in Delft, The Netherlands. Arantxa has had limited success since turning pro and has yet to win $1 million in prize money. However, she has won $890,863, so she isn't exactly hurting financially. Moreover, she looks smoking hot relaxing on the beach with a friend in her multi-colored bikini. The biggest moments in Rus' career were her upset victories over highly ranked competitors Kim Clijsters and Samantha Stosur. When she defeated the former at the 2011 French Open, Clijsters was ranked number two in the world at the time. Arantxa Rus is currently ranked number 203 in the world as a singles competitor. Regardless of ranking, it's always a pleasant experience to see the 26-year-old Dutch woman in action.

5 5. Caroline Wozniacki

The incredibly gorgeous Caroline Wozniacki was born in Odense, Denmark. She is 5-foot-10 and had previously modeled for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She has won over $22 million, which does not include her many sponsorship deals. Wozniacki is an extremely accomplished tennis player who was ranked as high as number one in the world back in, 2010. Her stunning looks even caught the eye of Irish golfer Rory Mcllroy. The two were in a relationship for around three years before calling it quits. She recently announced via Instagram that she is dating NBA power forward David Lee, who plays for the San Antonio Spurs. When discussing the hottest women in tennis, Caroline Wozniacki will most certainly be one of the first names mentioned.

4 4. Daniela Hantuchova

The long legged Czechoslovakian is just an inch shy of being 6-feet-tall. She became a professional in 1999 and has won over $10 million during the span of her career. She has been ranked as high as number five in the world in both singles and doubles competition. Hantuchova has endorsed such major brands as Nike and Adidas. She has also endorsed multiple racquet brands throughout her lengthy career. And as you can see, this tennis star looks stunning in the above photo. Daniela Hantuchova may have fallen about of the top 100 in 2016, but she is still number one in the hearts of many tennis fans around the world.  At 33 years of age, she is still easily one of the best looking women in tennis today.

3 3. Mandy Minella

The uber hot Mandy Minella was born in Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg. Minella is 5-foot-11 and apparently enjoys a good cocktail every now and then. She has won over $1.2 million during her tennis career. She has been ranked as high 47th in the world, but currently ranks around 90th. Unfortunately, for many, Mandy Minella is officially off the market. She married her coach Tim Sommer back in 2014. Apparently, the two wed in Minella's birthplace in Luxembourg. While she may no longer rank inside the top 50 in women's tennis, she easily makes the list of mega-hot tennis stars in bikinis. We will hopefully see Minella, who been playing since she was 5, enjoy many more years in the sport.

2 2. Donna Vekic

The young and vivacious Donna Vekic likely has a very bright future ahead of her. Despite being just 20 years of age, Vekic has already won over $1.1 million playing pro tennis. She was born in Osijek, Croatia in 1996. The Croatian has been ranked as high as 62nd as a singles competitor and is currently ranked 84th in the world. In 2012 she helped the Croatian Fed Cup team defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina. Oh, and she also looks sizzling hot in a bikini. In this photo, the young woman appears to be having an excellent time soaking in the water. Like many other tennis stars, Vekic resides in Monta Carlo, Monaco. Tennis fans should delight in watching Donna Vekic's career unfold in the years to come.

1 1. Venus Williams

The older sister of Serena Williams, Venus stands at an impressive 6-foot-1. She has made just under $36 million in prize money, which is 3rd all time after Maria Sharapova and her sister Serena. She has been ranked as high as number one in the world and is currently ranked 32nd. Williams looks awesome in this photo which emphasizes her long legs. Despite having very different body types, both Williams sisters could more than hold their own in a swimsuit competition. Her vegan diet no doubt makes maintaining her outstanding physique that much easier. Serena Williams is currently dating a Cuban model named Elio Pis. Much like her sister Serena, Venus is one of the hottest American-born women in tennis.