Reneta Zarazua explains why she was ‘almost crying’ before causing shock vs Madison Keys at the US Open

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It might only be day two at the US Open, but Reneta Zarazua has stunned the tennis world by knocking out Madison Keys in round one.

The Australian Open champion was a set and 3-0 up but succumbed to a brilliant fight back by the only Mexican in the main draw at Flushing Meadows.

Keys looked shellshocked as she came to the net to offer congratulations to Zarazula, who eventually ran out 6-7, 7-6, 7-5 winner.

At 27, the Mexico City-born performer has never been beyond the second round of any major and has never been above number 87 in the WTA rankings,

• READ MORE: Madison Keys shares what her relationship is like with Frances Tiafoe

Reneta Zarazua shares why she was almost crying before US Open match

Zarazua isn’t really renowned for playing on the show courts at major tournaments but that’s where she found herself against Keys.

The Mexican wasn’t fazed in the slightest, though, and despite trailing and being on the brink of defeat, she seemed to take everything in her stride.

After the match, she admitted that she had to keep her emotions in check and simply conceded that she was almost crying before the match even started.

She said in her on-court interview: “Coming into the match, I was like almost crying because I was really nervous.

“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.”

Zarazua has chance to enjoy career-best US Open run

The player will now face French performer Diana Parry in round two and with her sitting in number 100 in the rankings, Zarazua will go in as a favourite.

This is a golden opportunity for the Mexican to really enjoy a breakthrough tournament when it comes to a major and showcase to the world just how good she can be.

At 27, she might have been forgiven for thinking this moment wouldn’t come and the joy was etched all over her face at the end of the match.

Reaching the third round would give her so much confidence and after beating Keys, there should be growing belief that more top players can be on the end of a scalp.