Experienced Russian tennis player Vera Zvonareva, a former world No. 2 and 41-year-old athlete, continues to write a new bright chapter in her career after impressing at the 28th edition of the Hasan International Tennis Challenge. Despite being the oldest player in the tournament and returning after a long absence of over a year due to shoulder surgery, Zvonareva delivered a brilliant performance against Czech player Tereza Martincova, winning 6-1, 6-2 to reach the quarterfinals thanks to a wildcard invitation. Zvonareva, who has a rich record including 12 singles titles and numerous successes in doubles, looks to write a new chapter in her career by continuing her run in the quarterfinals, confirming she will fight for every point as she has throughout her career. Zvonareva told 'Al-Ittihad' that the match was not as easy as the score might suggest, stressing that she relied on her experience and resilience in tough situations and is determined to keep fighting in every match of her tournament journey, all the way to the final and winning the title. In other second-round results, Polia Yatsenko of Russia advanced after her Czech opponent Valdemanova withdrew due to injury, Dutch player Arantxa Rus advanced with a big win over her compatriot Arian Hartono 6-1, 6-2, and Chinese player Xinyu Gao defeated Polish player Ilena Predankina 7-6, 6-2. The tournament also saw the exit of the top-seeded pair of Frenchwoman Kristina and her partner Dalila Jakobovic, beaten by the British-Australian pair of Harriet Dart and Arina Rodionova 7-6, 6-2. In turn, the chairman and founder of the Hasan Group, the tournament's organizer, Hasan Khalaf, expressed his great pride that the tournament has been recognized by the International Tennis Federation, praising the distinguished organization that has cemented the tournament's status as one of the region's leading events. Hasan said in a press statement: 'This international recognition is the fruit of 27 years of diligent work and dedication,' thanking his team, whom he described as having presented a model to be emulated in professionalism and commitment.' He added: 'Hard work enables us to overcome all challenges.'
