“I wasn’t in a rush to come back”: Vera Zvonareva begins second act at Indian Wells

Seven years after lifting one of the biggest trophies of her career in the California desert, Vera Zvonareva is back at Indian Wells — this time at 41, navigating a comeback shaped by patience rather than urgency.

The former world No. 2 returns to Tennis Paradise after an 18-month absence from the tour, a break prompted by a recurring shoulder injury that ultimately required two surgeries. Rather than rushing her recovery, Zvonareva chose to step away completely, unsure whether a return to competition would even follow.

Her reappearance late last season signaled a gradual shift. The Russian reached the Australian Open doubles semifinals and secured her first main-draw singles victory since October 2023 at the Qatar Open, coming through qualifying and defeating Peyton Stearns in the first round — evidence that her competitive instincts remain intact.

Now she arrives in Indian Wells — the site of her 2009 title — carrying a different perspective and boosted by the confirmation of a wildcard from the tournament organizers. The goals are no longer rankings or milestones, but sustainability and enjoyment, taken “one day at a time.”

Zvonareva’s comeback was not premeditated. After undergoing a second shoulder operation, she admitted there was no immediate roadmap back to the WTA Tour. “I had a second shoulder surgery and, to be honest, I wasn’t in a rush to come back,” the Russian said in an interview with Tennis.com. “I took my time, I enjoyed spending time with family. As soon as I felt physically okay, I decided to try and see how it goes.”

Her decision to test herself competitively came gradually. Coaching junior players, spending time on court without structured pressure, and maintaining fitness without a defined objective eventually led to clarity. “I was not actually sure I would come back. It wasn’t something I was 100% working towards. I was just taking my time, doing all these different things, and then I realized, ‘Ok, I’m quite fit. My shoulder is better. I’ve done my rehab.’ Let me try and see how it goes.”

The result has been measured but promising. In Doha, she earned a main-draw singles win, navigating a difficult start to prevail through experience rather than physical dominance. “Look, I didn’t start the match well, but I felt like she was playing a different game from my previous opponents. But I tried my best and knew I could fight through this match, that I could challenge her more."

"In the end, it worked out my way. I’ve been playing many years on tour and I know that, as long as I’m trying my best on the court, I can always give myself a chance.”

Over the last decade, Zvonareva’s most consistent success has come in doubles, including major titles earned after becoming a mother. Singles had taken a secondary role before her hiatus, but the comeback has reopened that door.

“You know, I played so many matches in my career, so I don’t really think about it in that way,” the 2-time Grand Slam finalist added. “I’ve been putting a lot of efforts into doubles in the past few years, so especially with the success of my doubles before I took a break, I’d put singles on the side. Now I’ve come back and I still want to play doubles because I enjoy it, but whenever I get a chance, I want to play singles, as well. I’m enjoying the moment of playing at a big tournament. That’s always nice.”

Longevity in tennis once seemed improbable. When Zvonareva turned professional in the early 2000s, many players retired in their mid-20s. Now, extended careers are increasingly common. “I was always amazed by how well Martina Navratilova was playing at the very start of my career. I was so young, and she in her late-40s, still playing so well in doubles towards the end of her career.”

I saw what Martina Hingis was able to do, as well, coming back to play doubles. Those players are maybe my inspirations. I never really thought I would be playing at this age when I started my career, for sure. But I enjoyed playing on tour, playing a lot of matches, tough matches. As long as I feel I can still do it, I would continue.”

Returning at 41 means adjusting to a tour that has evolved physically and tactically. Zvonareva acknowledges the shift clearly. “I think the game is a bit faster now, definitely. Serve and return, the first shots are becoming more important. Everyone is physically much fitter now, because everyone is working much harder off the court, physically. The speed and precision are a little bit at a higher level. You have to be able to play this game.”

For her, however, the motivation is no longer external validation. It is the internal satisfaction of competition. “I think just playing the game and staying competitive. I wouldn’t say I enjoy the travel too much. I don’t like flying back and forth, packing bags every week. But what I enjoy the most is playing the game and enjoying the competitiveness and playing myself. Even watching matches, I’m enjoying all of it.”

At Indian Wells — where swirling desert winds once framed the biggest victory of her career — Zvonareva returns not chasing history, but extending it, one measured step at a time.