Zvonareva: I just need matches

Originally published on 06/03/14

The former world No.2, who lost 4-6 6-0 7-5 to Peng Shuai in the first round of the BNP Paribas Open, has won just one match since undergoing surgery to her right shoulder in February last year.

The 2009 champion at Indian Wells, the Russian has not played since the London Olympics in August 2012 and has seen her ranking drop to No.634.

"I have to keep working," said Zvonareva. "Any matches that I can get is great for me, either in singles or doubles or whatever.

“Playing out there against the top players in the world is how you're going to get your game back. You can practise as much as you want, but playing is different. I just need to get matches."

Zvonareva, who is 1-3 for the season, with her sole win coming against world No.357 Peangtarn Plipuech, a wildcard at the Pattaya Open in Thailand, believes there is reason for optimism despite letting a first-set lead slip against Peng.

"It was a tough match," she said. "I took a little risk in the last game because I had to and unfortunately it didn't work out for me. I made a couple of mistakes and I think that helped her to break me in the last game. I think my game is better than it was in Australia, so I can't complain too much."

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