Ranking top ten WTA players who have yet to win a major: Vera Zvonareva

Yes, Vera Zvonareva is still playing professional tennis. No, she is not going to win a singles major in her career. However, we will use this article to highlight her sensational career and honor her commitment to the sport.

Zvonareva was part of a Russian wave of talent that emerged in the 2000s. Compatriots Maria Sharapova, Svetlana Kuznetsova, and Anastasia Myskina all won singles major titles. Dinara Safina made it to world number one, Elena Dementieva won gold at the 2008 Olympics, Anna Chakvetadze reached the top 5 in singles, and Nadia Petrova made it to number 3 in singles and doubles.

In the 2010s, many more Russian players triumphed on tour in both singles and doubles. Zvonareva’s achievements may have been overshadowed by the success of some of her compatriots, but they should not be overlooked.

Vera Zvonareva is a great player even if she doesn’t win a singles title

While not a singles major champion, Zvonareva has thrived in doubles. Zvonareva has 3 women’s doubles majors and two mixed doubles majors to her name. Zvonareva has reached 7 WTA 1000 finals in singles, winning one, and was a bronze medalist at the 2008 Olympics. Zvonareva’s best singles results came in 2010 when she rose to number 2 in the world and reached the finals of Wimbledon and the US Open.

While no longer a contender for singles majors, Zvonareva remains one of the best doubles players on tour. She won the 2020 US Open title and the 2022 Miami 1000 event with Laura Siegemund. At age 38, she continues to grind on the tour in both singles and doubles. Her dedication to the sport should be celebrated. Plus, her racket smashes are up there with the best of them.

Likelihood to win a (singles) major: Highly unlikely

Top 10 countdown so far:

Number 10 – Paula Badosa

Number 9 – Maria Sakkari

Number 8 – Coco Gauff

Number 7 – Belinda Bencic

Number 6 – Madison Keys

Number 5 – Caroline Garcia

Number 4 – Elina Svitolina

Number 3 – Vera Zvonareva