Renata Zarazua was struggling to hold back the tears before stepping into Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday. Nerves had taken hold and threatened to overwhelm Mexico’s world No 82.
Three hours later, her eyes began to glaze over once more as Zarazua attempted to explain one of the biggest upsets of this year’s US Open so far. As it turned out, nerves ‘paralyzed’ Madison Keys instead.
For the Mexican, this represents the greatest win of her career. For Keys, the reigning Australian Open champion, this must go down as an alarming, humiliating collapse.
The American – the 2017 finalist and a two-time semifinalist in New York – led by a set and 3-0 in this first-round match. At one point, she was just two points from victory.
But then her game fell apart. Keys made an astonishing 89 unforced errors – as well as 14 double faults – en route to losing 6-7 7-6 7-5.
‘I feel like today – for the first time in a while – my nerves really got the better of me, and it became a little bit paralyzing,’ Keys said.
Mexico’s Renata Zarazua celebrates her stunning upset win over Madison Keys on Monday
The No 6 seed made an incredible 89 unforced errors in this first-round loss in New York
Keys began 2025 with victory at the Australian Open but lost in the first round in New York
‘For whatever reason, today I just couldn’t separate myself from… just feeling like winning matters just way too much,’ she added. ‘Then once you start playing badly, it just all snowballs.’
Zarazua, the only Mexican player in either singles draw, was a picture of disbelief and ecstasy as she toasted her first ever win over a top-10 player. After Keys’ 89th error hit the net, Zarazua put her hands to her head and then over her eyes and then over her mouth.
The No 6 seed, meanwhile, slumped over and then strode off Arthur Ashe to lick her wounds. This is only the second time in 30 years that an American woman seeded in the top 10 has lost in the US Open first round.
To think Keys began this year with a first Grand Slam victory. Since that triumph in Australia, her performances at majors have headed in only one direction. The American’s 2025 record after this defeat? Victory, quarter final, third round, first round. Zarazua, on the other hand, will now face France’s Diane Parry in round two.
‘Coming into the match I was like almost crying because I was really nervous,’ said the Mexican, who grew up doing gymnastics and diving before her brother pointed out that tennis is a tad safer.
‘The crowd made it so chill for me so I was loosening up. Thank you for staying. I know my game is a bit tricky. So sometimes people get a bit bored… thank you for staying until the end.’
