Renata Zarazua revealed the toll that the Australian sun has taken on her skin as she continues her build-up to next week’s Australian Open.
The 28-year-old, ranked world No. 80, has been competing at the Hobart International this week, advancing through qualifiers and reaching the round of 16.
Despite her on-court success, Zarazua shared an Instagram image showing multiple sunburns covering her shoulders and back, captioning it: “The Australian sun is no joke.”
Temperatures across parts of Victoria have recently soared into the mid-40s, while Tasmania has experienced highs around 26°C. However, UV levels in the region have climbed between eight and 11 on the UV index scale, which is considered “very high.”
Zarazua‘s run at the Hobart International began with a straight-sets victory over Hiroko Kuwata, followed by a 6-4, 6-3 win against Simona Waltert.
She then faced US star Hailey Baptiste, losing the first-set tiebreak but ultimately securing her spot in the round of 16. She is now set to face 18-year-old American Iva Jovic.
Overcoming nerves on and off the court
Earlier in 2025, Zarazua capped the year with a win at the Austin 125, taking home A$22,454, and had previously defeated an Australian duo to win the WTT W100 in Georgia. Her biggest career highlight came at the US Open, where she beat defending Australian Open champion Madison Keys, becoming the first Mexican player to defeat a top-10 seed since 1995.
Despite her achievements, Zarazua admitted she battled nerves before matches.
“I was just so nervous before going on court. I woke up, and I just had the urge to cry,” she said. She credited her mother’s advice for helping her push through, explaining, “She said, ‘You have to be the professional that you are. You have to go out there and give everything.’ And I did, but it was very tough to go out there.”
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