The security crisis in Mexico is casting a shadow over the prestigious Acapulco Open tournament, which is set to welcome tennis stars such as Alexander Zverev, Alex de Minaur, Casper Ruud, Frances Tiafoe, and Grigor Dimitrov. Although the 2026 event has been confirmed, rumors of cancellation began circulating following an alarming development in the Jalisco region. Tennis Channel commentator Brett Haber did not hesitate to express his concerns for the players’ safety, suggesting an immediate evacuation.
“I just left Mexico. The police activity at the airport was insane. A polite suggestion to the @atptour and @WTA — and to Larry Ellison: send a plane to Acapulco and another to Mérida and get everyone out of there — and put them for an extra week in [Indian Wells](https://apitofinal.pt/modalidades/tenis/serena-williams-regressa-a-lista-ativa-apos-confirmacao-da-itia/) to train and be safe. This is not a drill,” the 56-year-old veteran wrote in a statement that resonated on social media.
His warning came against a backdrop of rising tension in the country, which faced a significant security development. On February 22, security forces eliminated one of the world’s most wanted drug traffickers. The cartel leader, known as “[El Mencho](https://apitofinal.pt/extra/el-mencho-a-historia-do-ex-policia-que-fundou-um-cartel-ultraviolento-no-mexico/)”, was killed during an operation that resulted in the deaths of at least six alleged accomplices. El Mencho’s real name was Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, and his death triggered a wave of violence that quickly spread across the country.
The Mexican defense ministry confirmed the details of the operation that took place in the state of Jalisco. Images of intense combat in Tapalpa, in the Sierra Madre, revealed the severity of the situation, with burning vehicles and armed blockades in various regions. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), led by El Mencho, is known for its extreme violence and military arsenal.
With the tournament scheduled to begin its main action on February 23, rumors have emerged that the event could be canceled due to security issues. However, the organizers of the Abierto Mexicano quickly dismissed these speculations. “The Abierto Mexicano informs that the statement circulating in some media and social networks about an alleged cancellation of the event due to security issues in the state of Jalisco is false. The tournament is proceeding as planned, and operations are normally underway,” they stated in a release.
The organization also assured that it is in constant coordination with federal, state, and municipal authorities, adhering to established security protocols. They thanked the media and the public for verifying information only through official sources.
Although Acapulco is over 1,000 kilometers from Tapalpa, the tournament has previously faced security concerns in past editions. In 2024, players were advised to stay within the tournament zone due to elevated security risks, with authorities advising extra caution during the week of the event.
The security situation in Acapulco is not new. The UK’s Foreign Office had already issued strong warnings about the region, describing Guerrero, where Acapulco is located, as “a violent state with a history of insecurity.” The presence of organized crime has been widely highlighted, and the US has issued even stricter guidelines, prohibiting its officials from traveling to Acapulco.
With violence on the rise and security becoming an increasing concern, many are questioning whether it is appropriate to hold a major tournament under such conditions. The voices calling for the evacuation of players are gaining strength amid the uncertainty. What do you think about holding sporting events in regions affected by violence? Should the tennis market risk the safety of its athletes in the name of competition?
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