ATP Tour implements ‘no meat’ policy to avoid contamination in tests.

The edition of this year’s Abierto Mexicano Telcel, one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments on the ATP 500 circuit, is generating buzz with a new policy that promises to change the players’ experience. In an effort to mitigate the risks of contamination by prohibited substances, the organization has decided to implement a strict “no meat” policy in the restaurants designated for athletes. This move aims to protect players from potential issues related to anti-doping tests, a growing concern across all sports, especially in tennis.

The tournament, which will take place from February 23 to 28, is already famous for attracting some of the biggest stars in men’s tennis worldwide. However, the athletes competing this year will have to adapt to a revamped menu. The decision to ban meat was driven by recent incidents, such as that of Nicolas Zanellato, who tested positive for boldenone, a banned anabolic steroid, in 2025. The investigation by the International Tennis Integrity Agency concluded that the player was not at fault, as the contamination occurred due to the consumption of contaminated meat during a tournament in Colombia.

This alert about food safety is not new. Last autumn, players were advised to avoid meat during competitions in China, where food contamination was a recognized concern. With the new policy at the Abierto Mexicano, an informational document has been distributed to athletes, assuring them that the event’s restaurant will offer high-quality protein options that exclude meat.

The statement highlights: “To minimize the risk of contamination with prohibited anti-doping substances, the Abierto Mexicano Telcel, in collaboration with the ATP, will provide high-quality protein options that do not include meat.” In addition to plant-based alternatives, the tournament will also offer fish and seafood, as well as eggs, dairy products, and legumes.

With the reigning champion, Tomas Machac, defending his title after an exciting victory over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina last year, the tournament will feature stars such as Alexander Zverev, the world number two and 2021 champion, along with Alex de Minaur, who stood out by winning in 2023 and 2024. Although Lorenzo Musetti, the current world number 5, has withdrawn due to injury, names like Ben Shelton and Casper Ruud promise to bring excitement to the competition.

The Abierto Mexicano Telcel is not just a sporting event; it is a showcase of the best in tennis, with a history of great champions like Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem, and now, with an innovative and responsible approach to the athletes’ food safety. Expectations are high to see how this change will be received and how players will adapt to this new reality.