A former Grand Slam champion at 41 is making a comeback to professional tennis in the new season! Other veterans are shocked.

Before the season concluded, former world No. 2 Zvonareva surprised everyone by showing up in Dubai to play an ITF 100-level tournament after more than a year away from professional competition. She has now announced an unexpected 2026 schedule, indicating her comeback to the sport.

Zvonareva is set to return to the WTA Tour in 2026. Using a “protected ranking,” she has partnered with former top-five doubles player Ena Shibahara to enter the doubles main draw at the Australian Open.

Zvonareva turned 41 this September. Prior to receiving a main draw wildcard for the ITF event in Dubai, she had not competed since April 2024, putting to rest speculation about her retirement. Her performance in Dubai proved she remains competitive—winning four consecutive matches to reach the singles final, where she ultimately lost to 20-year-old Petra Martić, ranked 82nd in the world. She also teamed with Lada Zolotareva in doubles, reaching the final as well.

In the doubles final, the Russian duo failed to close out the match in straight sets, eventually losing 6-4, 5-7, 7-10 to Gao Xinyu and Savankaw. Despite the loss, this result highlighted Zvonareva’s maintained level of play despite a long absence from competition.

Zvonareva has always been active in doubles, but her singles peak came in the late 2000s and early 2010s. In 2008, she finished the season ranked seventh in the world; in 2009, after reaching the Australian Open semifinals and winning Indian Wells, she ended the year ranked ninth.

At the start of 2010, her form was modest, but she delivered a stunning performance at Wimbledon. She defeated Janković and Clijsters to reach the final, where she lost to Serena Williams. That summer, she also reached the US Open final, beating world No. 1 Wozniacki in the semifinals before falling to defending champion Clijsters.

Zvonareva closed 2010 ranked world No. 2. In 2011, she reached the Australian Open semifinals for the second time and finished the year ranked seventh, cementing her status as one of the most consistent top players of her era. Now, at 41, she is preparing to start a new tour season. Many figures in Russian tennis have praised her comeback, commending her discipline, resilience, and strong determination.

Two-time Grand Slam champion and Olympic gold medalist Yevgeny Kafelnikov greatly enjoyed watching Zvonareva compete again in Dubai. When discussing her return, he spoke with both humor and deep respect.

“Honestly, I don’t quite understand what Vera is doing. I also don’t know the secret to succeeding at 41. Maybe she’s eating some kind of ‘fountain of youth apple’ (laughs). Everyone does what they believe is right. If she enjoys playing tennis—that’s wonderful. We can only be happy for someone who plays with joy and passion. Why take that away? We should just be glad for her,” Kafelnikov said in an interview.

His words expressed surprise but also respect, emphasizing that “happiness” is a key reason for continuing to compete at 41, and clearly stating that no one should stop Zvonareva from enjoying the sport. Now, she is about to return to the Australian Open. Her comeback continues, and public anticipation is growing. Perhaps 2026 will bring even more great moments for Zvonareva.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Spark)