Vera Zvonareva Returns to WTA 1000 Draw at 41

Oska4 hours ago

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Vera Zvonareva Returns to WTA 1000 Draw at 41 — STUTTGART, GERMANY - APRIL 13: Vera Zvonareva in action against Diana Shnaider during the first qualifications round ahead of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Stuttgart 2024 at Porsche Arena on April 13, 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany (Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images)

Vera Zvonareva has qualified for the main draw of the Qatar Open, marking her first appearance at the WTA 1000 level since 2023.

The former world No. 2 resumed competition late in 2025 after a 19 month absence, reaching the final of the W100 Dubai in both singles and doubles. She has since played several qualifying events and has had some match wins despite missing main draws in Canberra, Adelaide, and Abu Dhabi.

In Doha, Zvonareva earned her place with straight set wins over Shuai Zhang and Magdalena Frech, her first singles victories over top 100 opponents since late 2023.

The 41 year old is the oldest player in the Qatar Open draw and is currently the second most senior competitor on the WTA Tour, behind Venus Williams.

Zvonareva will open her campaign on Sunday against Peyton Stearns, setting up a first round meeting between players separated by 17 years.

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