Zvonareva sweeps two events at Indian Wells

Getty Images

Getty Images

Russian player Vera Zvonareva reasserted herself as a force to reckon with in women’s tennis after clinching the BNP Paribas Open singles title when she beat defending champion Ana Ivanovic (7-6, 6-2). This served as her ninth career singles title.

Yesterday, Zvonareva paired up with Belarusian player Victoria Azarenka to beat Shahar Peer and Gisela Dulko to win the women’s doubles title – making the Russian only the second player to achieve this feat (the first one was Lindsay Davenport in 1997 and 2000).

With gusty winds swirling in the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, both Ivanovic and Zvonareva struggled with their serve and even routine shots. But it was clear that the latter had the upper hand, having recorded lesser unforced errors.

With the singles win, Zvonareva is back in the world’s top five – overtaking Venus Williams who opted to skip the tournament for the 8th time.

Congratulations Vera!