“Acapulco organizers respond to request for player evacuation.”

The tension in Acapulco, Mexico, did not prevent the continuation of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel, one of the most anticipated tennis tournaments on the calendar. Amid a significant security presence due to a crisis of violence linked to drug trafficking, the organizers issued a firm statement denying rumors about the cancellation of the event. The tournament, which runs from February 21 to March 1, saw its reputation threatened, but officials assured that everything would proceed as planned.

On Sunday, a message posted on the tournament’s official social media made it clear: “The Abierto Mexicano Telcel informs that the rumors circulating in the press and on social media about the alleged cancellation of the tournament due to security issues in Jalisco are false.” This statement reflects the determination of the organizers to keep the event going despite the adverse circumstances.

With a participant list that includes stars such as world number 4, Alexander Zverev, and champions Alex de Minaur and Frances Tiafoe, the tournament has attracted public attention. Security has been heightened at the venue, about 800 km from Guadalajara, where authorities were dealing with a large-scale security operation. The increased police presence around the Arena GNP Seguros was notable, leading to an early closure of some nearby businesses.

The organizers reaffirmed the continuation of the event, ensuring that they were in constant coordination with federal, state, and municipal authorities, following all established safety protocols. “We continue to be in constant communication with the authorities,” they said, emphasizing that there was no cancellation notice and that the tournament would proceed as planned.

Despite the tense atmosphere, the matches began promptly at 4:00 PM local time, with both the audience and players demonstrating resilience. The Abierto Mexicano Telcel is not just another tournament; it is a favorite among tennis players, having been awarded the title of Best ATP 500 Event on three occasions: 2007, 2017, and 2019. This reputation makes the protection of the event and all those involved even more crucial.

Meanwhile, the WTA 500 event in Mérida, Yucatán, over 1,100 miles from Guadalajara, also took place as scheduled, with Emma Navarro and Jasmine Paolini as the top seeds. However, the situation in Acapulco raised concerns, leading to calls for the evacuation of players. Tennis Channel commentator Brett Haber expressed his concern in a forceful message: “I just left Mexico. The police activity at the airport was insane. A polite suggestion for the @atptour and @WTA – get a plane to Acapulco and another to Mérida and get everyone out of there.”

The security crisis was exacerbated on February 22, when security forces carried out a significant operation in Jalisco, targeting the high-profile criminal Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” Reports indicate that he was killed during the operation, along with several associates. The operation resulted in various incidents across the country, including roadblocks and damaged vehicles.

Despite the increasingly alarming security conditions, the determination of the organizers to proceed with the Abierto Mexicano Telcel is a testament to the resilience of the sport and the desire to uphold traditions in times of crisis. With robust security measures in place for both players and spectators, the tournament moves forward, reaffirming its place as one of the most exciting events on the tennis calendar.