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Zarazúa’s Sunburn Throws UV Risk Into Sharp Relief Before the Australian Open

The episode has intensified questions about whether current heat rules adequately address ultraviolet exposure during summer tournaments.

Overview

  • Mexican player Renata Zarazúa shared an Instagram photo of severe back sunburn after a nearly three‑hour Hobart International match against Hailey Baptiste, writing, “El sol de Australia no es broma.”
  • Health authorities reported local UV index readings of 8–11 in Tasmania, levels classified as very high, despite ambient temperatures near 26°C during the tournament week.
  • Zarazúa later posted that inflammation had begun to subside; she was subsequently eliminated in Hobart by Iva Jovic as her attention turns to the Australian Open.
  • The ATP’s 2026 heat‑stress protocol uses the WBGT index, mandating suspension of best‑of‑three matches above 32.2°C and allowing 10‑minute cooling breaks from 30.1°C, measures that do not directly limit UV exposure during outdoor play.
  • Tournament organizers can deploy retractable roofs and medical monitoring, and Zarazúa, ranked around No. 84, is entered in the Australian Open main draw in Melbourne.