A 41-year-old former Grand Slam champion is making a comeback to professional tennis in the new season! Other legends are stunned.

Before the conclusion of this season, former world No. 2 Zvonareva made a shocking announcement — after being absent from professional tournaments for over a year, she unexpectedly showed up in Dubai to play in an ITF 100-level tournament. Recently, she unveiled an unexpected plan for 2026, indicating her comeback to tennis.

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

Zvonareva turned 41 this September. Before receiving a main draw wildcard for the ITF event in Dubai, she had not competed since April 2024, putting an end to speculation about her retirement. Her performance in Dubai proved she still has competitive ability — winning four consecutive matches to reach the singles final, where she was ultimately defeated by 20-year-old world No. 82 Petra Martić. She also partnered with Rada Zolotareva in doubles, reaching the final there as well.

In that 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 her 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.

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

Zvonareva finished 2010 ranked world No. 2. In 2011, she reached the Australian Open semifinals for the second time and ended 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, applauding 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 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 been 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 can only feel happy for her,” Kafelnikov said in an interview.

His remarks showed both surprise and respect, emphasizing that “happiness” is a key reason she continues 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 rising. Perhaps 2026 will bring even more great moments for Zvonareva.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Spark)