The Mexican Renata Zarazúa achieved a creditable victory, the first of the 2026in it Auckland tournamentNew Zealand, by beating the American in three sets Sloane Stephens by 7-5, 4-6 and 6-2a result that allowed him to advance to the second round of the contest.
The duel was one of the most attractive of the day, with Zarazúa solid from the back of the court and capable of resisting the pressure of a rival with experience in the major events of world tennis.
Zarazúa’s second triumph against a Grand Slam champion
With this victory, Renata Zarazúa got his second win against a Grand Slam championafter having defeated Madison Keys last August on clay. On this occasion, the victim was Sloane Stephenschampion of US Open 2017.
Furthermore, it was the second time that the Mexican prevails over Stephens, since the previous precedent occurred in Acapulco 2020confirming that Zarazúa knows how to compete against high-caliber rivals.
A demanding match that was resolved in three sets
The meeting lasted for two and a half hoursduring which Zarazúa managed to contain the reaction of the American, who raised her level in the second set to equalize the score.
However, in the final set, the mexican tennis playerlocated at the post 77 in the WTA rankingshowed greater consistency, precision and mental strength to close the match with authority and secure their place in the next round of the tournament.
Next challenge: Xinyu Wang in the second round
In the second round of the Auckland tournament, Renata Zarazúa will be measured against China Xinyu Wangseventh favorite of the contest, who advanced after overcoming the American Caty McNally with partials of 2-6, 6-3 and 7-5.
The duel represents a new test for Zarazúa, which seeks to consolidate its good start to the season and add key points in the WTA rankingin a year that begins with encouraging results for the mexican tennis.
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