Acapulco, Mexico

Mexico’s Renata Zarazua, ranked No. 270, reaches Acapulco semifinals

Also, wild card Renata Zarazua outlasted Tamara Zidansek to reach her first ever WTA semifinal in front of a raucous Mexican crowd.

By Cale HammondPublished February 28, 2020

Renata Zarazua continued her phenomenal run in her home country with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 victory over Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek.

Zarazua, who beat Sloane Stephens in the first round, is into her first ever WTA semifinal.

“I don’t have any words to describe this feeling,” Zarazua said after the match. “I never expected this to happen but it’s a dream come true.”

"To be honest, he just says very quick things. I never understand half of the things."

When your brother is your coach 😂@RenataZarazuaOf #AMT2020 pic.twitter.com/3DLKsMqp7w
— wta (@WTA) February 28, 2020

Zarazua credits her brother Pato, currently a coach at Palm Beach Atlanta Pacific University, for keeping her calm and helping her deal with the pressure.

The wild card, ranked No. 270 in the world, will face 17-year-old Canadian Leylah Fernandez for a spot in the final. It’s tough to ask for a better draw for Mexico’s newest Cinderella story.