Two finals, 800 spots: former world No.2 makes incredible rise on comeback

Before last week, Zvonareva’s most recent appearance was at the 2024 French Open, where she and Mirra Andreeva reached the women’s doubles quarterfinals before having to withdraw.

During her time away from the WTA Tour, there were assumptions that she had retired. Instead, she received a wildcard entry for both singles and doubles at the 100k ITF event in Dubai, where she now lives.

Zvonareva ended up reaching the finals in both singles and doubles, showing that her ability remains intact despite the time away.

She did not come away with a title but has still been recognised for what she achieved over the week in Dubai.

Zvonareva made a jump of 817 places to become world number 654 after not being ranked at all during her time off. She has also moved up to number 796 in doubles.

It is still unclear what her plans are from here, but this return is clear proof that the 41-year-old can still play at a high level even after so much time out of action.

Iga Swiatek’s first final opponent moves up more than 300 spots in WTA rankings

Zvonareva is not the only player making waves late in the 2025 season. Polona Hercog has also made significant progress up the WTA rankings this week.

The Slovenian has been as high as world number 35 and has three WTA singles titles to her name.

One of those titles came against Iga Swiatek, when Hercog won Swiatek’s first tour-level final.

Still, injuries have caused problems over recent years, dropping her outside the top-900 by October this year.

A run of five consecutive defeats did not help matters either. However, things have started to change during South America’s WTA 125 clay court swing.

That was highlighted further when Hercog secured her first title at that level in Quito, Ecuador, by beating Luisina Giovannini.

This victory was one of several points scored throughout an excellent run that earned Hercog a jump of 339 spots, now ranking as world number 333.