NEW YORK -- Topless photos of Anna Kournikova appearing in the June issue of Penthouse magazine which hits the news stands Tuesday are fake, claim representatives of the Russian tennis player.

Kournikova's agent David Schwab told Reuters that the pictures, which are part of a 10-page layout, are not of his client as Penthouse claims and that they will file a lawsuit against the adult magazine.

"The photographs are so dissimilar to Miss Kournikova that anyone who knows her, when they see the photos, will immediately know that the magazine did it on purpose to exploit her and make some additional money," said Schwab.

"We asked and they (Penthouse) never sent us any photos.

"The publisher was out promoting the fact they had Miss Kournikova in their magazine, we asked to see a copy of the photos and we never received them."

Penthouse denies having had any contact with Kournikova's agents or lawyers and stands by the authenticity of the pictures that were taken in South Beach area of Miami near the tennis player's home.

The magazine would not say how much it paid for the pictures, which were obtained from a freelance photographer.

"All I can tell you is that right now Penthouse is confident that these pictures are genuine," said Penthouse spokesman Michael Moi. "My understanding is that the photographer came to Penthouse with these pictures.

"I don't personally have any knowledge of Miss Kournikova's lawyers contacting the magazine."

Schwab says Kournikova's lawyers sent a letter to Penthouse last Friday and was in the process of filing lawsuit. He would not say, however, how much the 20-year-old Russian, who is playing in Bol, Croatia this week, is seeking in damages.

"That's untrue, a letter was sent on Friday," said Schwab. "Everything will come out when a law suit is filed which will be done at the earliest appropriate time when all the facts are gathered."

While Kournikova remains one of the world's most photographed and recognisable celebrities earning millions of dollars in endorsements and sponsorship she has yet to make her mark on the tennis court.

The tennis starlet owns one of the most celebrated winless droughts in all of sports having gone over 100 tournaments without claiming her first career title.