The WTA Tour wrapped up its regular season in November, with Elena Rybakina finishing on top at the Finals.
But for many players further down the rankings, their year has not ended just yet.
Several WTA tournaments are still being held throughout December, including one in Dubai.
Over a year since her last professional match, former world number two Vera Zvonareva has entered the draw to make a return.
The Russian, who is 41 years old now, is showing once again that quality does not fade with time.
Vera Zvonareva beats a player ranked inside the WTA top 250
Zvonareva’s return to the professional circuit began with a first-round victory at a WTA 100 tournament in Dubai.
The Russian player, a singles finalist at Wimbledon and the US Open, is listed as ‘inactive’ on the WTA Tour website.
The 41-year-old pulled off a surprising victory over Tara Wuerth, ranked 238th in the world, winning 6-3, 6-4.
Her last professional appearance was back on May 18, 2024 when she lost to Ashlyn Krueger 6-0, 6-0 during qualifying for the Strasbourg Open.
Zvonareva’s next opponent is top seed Dalma Galfi. The world number 98 had a bye into round two.
Reflecting on Vera Zvonareva’s Grand Slam singles finals
Zvonareva’s strongest Grand Slam singles performances came between 2009 and 2011.
Her first major semi-final appearance was at the 2009 Australian Open, where she was defeated by Dinara Safina in straight sets.
The following year brought even bigger moments. Zvonareva advanced all the way to the Wimbledon final but was beaten by Serena Williams.
Later that summer, she matched that run at the US Open, much like Amanda Anisimova has done in 2025. However, it was another runner-up finish as Kim Clijsters came through comfortably in the title match.
While a singles major has remained elusive, Zvonareva’s career has been highlighted by impressive success in doubles.
She owns women’s doubles titles from the US Open (2006 and 2020) and the Australian Open (2012).
Zvonareva also captured mixed doubles titles at both the US Open (2004) and Wimbledon (2006).
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