Renata Zarazua was struggling to hold back 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 she tried to explain one of the biggest early upsets of this year’s US Open.
For Zarazua, this win over Madison Keys represents the greatest victory of her career so far. For Keys, the No 6 seed, this must go down as an alarming, humiliating collapse.
Keys, the 2017 finalist and twice a semifinalist in New York, led by a set and a break 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.
Zarazua, the only Mexican player in the singles draw, was a picture of disbelief and ecstasy as she toasted her first ever win over a top-10 player.
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
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.
To think Keys began this year with victory at the Australian Open. Since then, her performances at Grand Slams have only headed in one direction.
The American’s record after this defeat: Victory, quarter final, third round, first round.
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