Tennis star Anna Kounikova made her reality TV debut Wednesday night as the new host of The Biggest Loser.

Kournikova joins the weight-loss competition show as a replacement for former host Jillian Michaels, who left the show to concentrate on expanding her family.

The Biggest Loser contestants were pleasantly surprised to see the leggy blond beauty arrive via Marine helicopter to the competition filming.

Kournikova appeared on Live with Regis and Kelly as part of a promotional press tour, where she credited her mother for her strength and focus. She really instilled the commitment, disciplinane in me,'' Anna said on Live with Regis & Kelly. It's really helped me throughout life and that's why I'm so passionate about sports and fitness and promoting that healthy lifestyle, and spreading the word especially to kids.

Take a look at the tennis pro in action shots, ranging from when she was just a kid herself to today, when she is an elegant -- and fit -- 30-year old woman.

Anna Kournikova
Russian tennis star Anna Kournikova hits a forehand return to Chanda Rubin of the U.S. during their match at the International Ladies Tennis Championships in Eastbourne June 15, 1999. Reuters
Kournikova warmup
Russian tennis star Anna Kournikova sprints during a warm up session at the Eastbourne Ladies Tennis Championships June 14, 1999 Reuters
Kournikova kiss
Anna Kournikova of Russia smiles after throwing a kiss to someone in the stands after winning her first round women's singles match against Patricia Wartusch of Austria at the Australian Open in Melbourne January 17 Reuters
Kournikova photo call
Tennis star Anna Kournikova poses for photographers at a photocall in central London on September 19, 2000 Reuters
Kournikova
Singer Enrique Iglesias and tennis player Anna Kournikova arrive at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York on August 29, 2002 Reuters
Anna Kournikova
Tennis celebrity Anna Kournikova celebrates a point during the 12th annual World TeamTennis Smash Hits, an annual tennis event benefiting the Elton John AIDS Foundation, in Irvine, California, October 11, 2004 Reuters
Anna Kournikova
Tennis player Anna Kournikova poses on the runway GM ten, General Motors' annual fashion show, in Los Angeles, February 28, 2006 Reuters