Professional tennis player Renata Zarazua has issued a stark warning about the intensity of the Australian sun after sharing graphic images of severe sunburn sustained during tournament preparations.
Painful Reminder Down Under
The world number 80 took to Instagram to reveal the painful-looking results of sun exposure while competing at the Hobart International in Tasmania. The Mexican athlete, who is preparing for next week's Australian Open, posted a picture of her back showing multiple, sore-looking burns across her shoulders.
She captioned the image with a clear message: 'The Australian sun is no joke.' This serves as a potent reminder for athletes and spectators alike about the very real risks of UV exposure, even on days when air temperatures might not seem extreme.
Understanding the UV Threat in Tasmania
While temperatures in Tasmania over the past week have been relatively mild, topping out at around 26°C, the ultraviolet radiation has been anything but. Recent days have seen UV ratings soar to between eight and 11 on the index scale, which is classified as 'very high' to 'extreme'.
This disconnect between ambient temperature and UV intensity is a common point of confusion, leading to inadequate sun protection. Zarazua's experience underscores that sunburn can occur quickly, even on cooler or overcast days, when UV levels are elevated.
Zarazua's Form and Future Fixtures
Despite the uncomfortable setback, Zarazua has shown strong form on the court. She advanced through the Hobart International qualifiers, defeating Hiroko Kuwata in straight sets and then besting Simona Waltert 6-4 6-3. In a tough round of 32 match, she overcame American Hailey Baptiste after losing a first-set tiebreak.
Her run sets up a round of 16 clash against 18-year-old American Iva Jovic. This tournament serves as her final preparation for the Australian Open in Melbourne, where she will make her third main-draw appearance.
Zarazua's career is on an upward trajectory. She capped off a successful 2025 by winning the Austin 125 in November, earning A$22,454 in prize money. This followed a victory at the WTT W100 in Georgia in October. Her most notable win of the year came at the US Open, where she stunned defending Australian Open champion Maddison Keys.
That victory made her the first Mexican tennis player to beat a top-10 seed since 1995. In a revealing post-match interview, Zarazua confessed she had nearly withdrawn from the match due to overwhelming nerves, needing encouragement from her mother to take to the court.
Her story is one of resilience, both against top-tier opponents and the challenging environmental conditions faced by athletes competing in Australia's summer. Her sunburn serves as a public health reminder wrapped in a sporting narrative, highlighting the importance of sun safety for everyone enjoying the Australian summer.
