ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Even if everyone on the women's tennis tour isn't crazy about Anna Kournikova, she has a friend and supporter in Monica Seles.

After beating Kournikova 7-6 (7-6), 6-4 Saturday night in the Minnesota Tennis Challenge, Seles scoffed at the suggestion that there's any "Anna-mosity'' toward the 21-year-old Russian -- who's known better for beauty than breaking serves.

"I don't think there's animosity. My gosh, that's a strong word to use," Seles said. "She's dedicated her life to this sport. She's one of the hardest workers on tour."

And if Kournikova's fame is based on a pretty face, not a French Open or a Wimbledon title?

"It's understandable," said Seles, who defended Kournikova this summer when she was under heavy criticism for failing to advance past the first round in any of the Grand Slam events.

"But she's a gorgeous girl," Seles said. "What can she do about that? She can't just hide her face."

As Seles pointed out, Kournikova was ranked as high as No. 8 as late as May 2001 before an ankle injury started messing with her success.

Now 35th in the WTA rankings, Kournikova is getting ready for the 2003 season still in search of her first singles tournament victory and her first Grand Slam singles match win since the 2001 Australian Open.

Her goal?

"To stay healthy, go back and try to play a full season this time," Kournikova said.

Same goes for Seles, the nine-time Grand Slam winner who was hampered by a foot injury this year and lost in the quarterfinals in each of the last three majors. She's ranked No. 7.

"The offseason is not very long," Seles said. "You basically have to start training right away. I'm pretty much healed, but we don't have much time. It's very tough to come back from an injury, because the ranking system is so brutal."

Seles, 29, had her return game working well and served three aces to finish off Kournikova in the final game. She looks ready for a full schedule in 2003.

Retirement will come eventually, but it doesn't sound like it'll be anytime soon.

"As long as she's still having success, I don't see why she won't continue," said Tony Godsick, Seles' agent. "She hasn't said anything to me about it."

Seles and Kournikova have faced off in a number of exhibitions. They left St. Paul on Saturday night for Canada, where they were scheduled to play Sunday in another friendly match in Winnipeg.

"It's tiring, but these matches are great," Seles said. "It's a relaxed atmosphere where we can work on our game a little bit."

It also gives Kournikova, a huge Seles fan growing up, a chance to pick up a few pointers.

"It's amazing to play against Monica," Kournikova said. "It's like the best feeling in the world."

This was the first match in the Twin Cities area involving major pro players since Team USA beat Sweden in 1992 Davis Cup competition in Minneapolis.

The inexperience showed. A couple fans were chided by the umpire for yelling just before a serve, and Kournikova was annoyed on more than one occasion by ballgirls and judges being out of position.

But both players seemed to enjoy their experience. They began their day at the Mall of America for an autograph session with a throng of fans.

"It was a great atmosphere," Kournikova said.