Vera Zvonareva, the No. 3 seed at the 2011 Sony Ericsson Open, advanced through the third round of the tournament Saturday, with a 7-6(4), 6-2 win over Australian Jarmila Groth. Zvonareva is competing in her tenth main draw in Miami.
 
We caught up with her after her match.
 
What have you done differently in the past year to improve your game?
I think overall I’m just much more experienced and mature, and I haven’t changed much. I think I just know myself better, and through that experience I’m trying to improve myself every day. I’ve learned a lot over the past few years playing on the tour, and that’s why I’m just trying to do the right thing all the time. I know which things are working for me better and which things are not, so knowing this helps, but it only comes with experience. That’s the biggest part of what helps me on the court.
 
You’ve reached the quarter-finals or better in both singles and doubles. What style doubles do you prefer, and who do you enjoy playing with?
I definitely enjoyed playing with Elena Vesnina, she was my partner for some time and we also played in the Olympics together. I’m not really focused on doubles any more, I’ve been on the tour for so many years and through so many injuries, so I mainly focus on my singles. Of course, sometimes I play doubles and if we go really far I’m happy to play all the way. Right now, I’m playing with Svetlana Kuznetsova, and I’m definitely enjoying my time with her on the court. When I play with Sveta or Elena we always have fun, which is the most important part for me.
 
How did it feel to podium at the Olympics with two of your Russian teammates?
It was a great experience for me and I think I can only realize it right now. In that moment, it was tough. I was very emotional for sure, that particular moment. I don’t take that for granted anymore, and it was definitely a special moment for me, being in the whole Olympic event, spending two weeks in the Olympic Village. It was probably the best experience of my life.
 
Do you have aspirations for London 2012?
Well, it’s still too far ahead and the tennis competition is very tough. Definitely it is something I would love to experience again, because it is special for any athlete, not only a tennis player. It unites all athletes around the world, and that special feeling, I would love to experience that again.
 
How are your studies going?
Well, it is my final year and I’m working on my thesis. It’s a bit hard and I’m a little bit behind. I don’t have much time to do my exams, but I’m trying to keep up as much as I can. If I need some extra time, I will probably ask to extend it for another half-year if I cannot make it in time. Because when exams come I will probably be playing French Open or Wimbledon, and it is very difficult to manage both. But, it is definitely moving. I’m trying to give it some time and do as much as I can on the road.