Despite a recurring back injury that kept her out of the French Open and Wimbledon, Anna Kournikova plans to play in three World Team Tennis matches next month, according to a Kansas City (Mo.) Star report.

	Kournikova

Kournikova, who was the Kansas City Explorers' top pick in the league's marquee draft, confirmed Monday that she expects to play July 16-18, the Star reported. The team will play July 16 in Philadelphia, July 17 in St. Louis and July 18 in Kansas City.

"I think World TeamTennis will be a perfect opportunity to get back into playing tournaments," Kournikova said during a teleconference Monday.

Kournikova's appearance has been in question since a lower back injury in January at the Australian Open. The injury has caused her to withdraw from a series of tournaments, including the two recent majors.

"I definitely hope to play everything (singles, doubles and mixed doubles)," Kournikova said. "But it's up to my health. I'm going to have to find a way to get through this. I know (the back problem) is not going to go away because it's something that's structurally wrong with my back from all the playing."

Even if her back isn't healthy enough for her to play, Kournikova committed to a trip to Kansas City to meet fans and sign autographs.