Back on the Slam stage: Vera Zvonareva returns to AO doubles with former top 5

The former world No. 2 Vera Zvonareva confirmed her return to Grand Slam competition for the 2026 season. The Russian veteran, whose career has spanned more than two decades, will utilize her protected ranking to enter the women's doubles draw at the upcoming Australian Open.

The announcement brings a compelling dynamic to the Melbourne Park field, as Zvonareva has chosen to partner with Japanese doubles specialist Ena Shibahara. The 41-year-old player's decision to return follows a promising appearance at the ITF W100 event in Dubai few weeks ago, where she reportedly tested her physical readiness for the rigors of the professional tour after months of absence.

Historically, the Australian Open has been a venue of mixed fortunes but undeniable success for Zvonareva. She is a two-time semifinalist in singles at this event, most notably during her peak years in 2009 and 2011, and she lifted the women's doubles trophy here in 2012 alongside Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Zvonareva has made a total of 11 appearances in the Australian Open doubles main draw, claiming the title in 2012 alongside Svetlana Kuznetsova. On that occasion, they defeated the multi-Grand Slam champion Italian duo of Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci, coming from a set down to win 5-7, 6-4, 6-3.

Zvonareva also holds titles from the 2006 US Open (with Nathalie Dechy) and the 2020 US Open, where she partnered with Germany's Laura Siegemund. The Russian enjoyed her peak singles years 15 years ago: between 2008 and 2011, she finished four consecutive seasons in the Top 10, reached two Major finals (Wimbledon and US Open in 2010), and captured her biggest title at Indian Wells in 2009, in addition to reaching six other WTA 1000 finals.

Vera Zvonareva made her return to the professional circuit during the Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge (ITF W100) in Dubai in early December, marking her first official appearance since May 2024. The hard-court event served as a critical technical and physical assessment for the 41-year-old former world No. 2 ahead of the 2026 season.

Zvonareva navigated the early rounds, recording victories that demonstrated her recovery following months of inactivity. Her progression saw her reach the finals in both the singles and doubles draws, though she fell just short of the title against Croatia’s Petra Marcinko. The singles final highlighted a significant 21-year age gap between the competitors; the 20-year-old Marcinko defeated the Russian veteran 6-3, 6-3, a victory that propelled the Croatian into the Top 100 for the first time and extended her winning streak to 10 consecutive matches.

For her part, the Russian successfully re-entered the WTA rankings, currently sitting at No. 659 in singles and No. 796 in doubles. She is now the second-oldest active player on Tour, having turned 41 in September. She trails only 45-year-old former world No. 1 Venus Williams (No. 581), another player rumored for a potential Australian Open appearance, though the American must await a wildcard decision from organizers.