Mexico’s Renata Zarazua proved too strong for her higher ranked opponent Madison Keys, defeating her American foe 6-7 (12/10), 7-6 (7/3), 7-5 in their first round US Open match on Arthur Ashe Stadium that lasted 3 hours and 10 minutes.
Post-match Zarazua was elated with her performance.
“Yeah, I’m just very happy. I think it hasn’t really kicked in yet, but yeah, I guess I’m just really excited, honestly.”
‘Worst moments’
Despite being nervous before she walked onto the court, Zarazua did not let the nerves impact her performance.
“Yeah, I mean, I was really nervous coming in. I think the few minutes right before you go on court, it’s probably the worst moments.”
Zarazua was able to draw upon recent performances in other grand slam events to help settle her nerves.
“But in a way, I feel like the experiences of playing in the other stadiums at the other slams kind of helped me a lot today.
“I was just, you know, like, obviously I didn’t want the nerves to be what let me down in the match.
“Yeah, the fear, the nerves, all of that, just tried to leave them on the side and just focus on my game and what I had to do.”
‘Good form’
Renata Zarazua described feeling that she had good form going into the match against Keys.
“I thought I was playing really well the past few days and practicing well, so I was like I’ve just got to find a way to use that in my advantage.”
Currently, there appears to be a greater representation of players from less well-known tennis countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and now Mexico.
Zarazua offered her views on why she thought that tennis is becoming more representative around the world.
“Yeah, I think definitely tennis is becoming a bit more, like, popular, more global. I would say a lot of people are watching a bit more than before maybe.
“They’re also doing a great job in the slams and in other tournaments to kind of promote them pretty well.”
Zarazua suggested that the marketing of the game is also helping to spread the game.
“Just making it really nice for the fans, as well. So, I think people are really enjoying, like, coming to watch, because it’s fun, you’re watching a match or having a drink or a snack or whatever with your friends.”
Dave Marshall was reporting exclusively from the US Open in Flushing Meadows for The South African.
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