Mexican Open Acapulco will go ahead despite death of most wanted drug baron putting tournament at risk
ATPMonday, 23 February 2026 at 13:44
The Mexican Open in Acapulco will go ahead in the coming days despite violence following the death of the country's most wanted drug baron throwing the event into jeopardy.
Acapulco doesn't exactly get the rub of the green often as a tournament with a natural disaster getting in the way two years ago, last year was more closer to home in regards to a food poisoning epidemic which saw half the field not able to play or lose early.
But this year it is something even more out of the ordinary. Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as El Mencho died in custody on Sunday shortly after being captured by special forces in Mexico. He was injured in clashes between his supporters and the army in Jalisco on Sunday.
The Mexican Open starts on Monday in Acapulco which is in one of the five Mexican states where the US government has warned people to shelter due to violence.
Tournament to continue as normal, Merida also not affected
Members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of the most powerful criminal organisations in Mexico have torched businesses and erected blockades after his death. But the cancellation of the tournament has been deemed false by the organisers.
As per BBC, the organisers said in a statement that it is continuing as normal but will be monitored. Alexander Zverev is top seed this week in Acapulco, Merida also goes on as normal with the tournament not being in a state affected.
"The event continues as scheduled and tournament operations are proceeding normally," said the organisers.
"We remain in coordination and constant communication with federal, state, and municipal authorities, under the established security protocols."
Alex de Minaur, Casper Ruud, Frances Tiafoe are among those involved also in one of the most stacked fields of the week with the big names seemingly not back until at least Indian Wells and Miami. Carlos Alcaraz top of the ATP Rankings of course played and won in Qatar last week while Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic among others won't be due back until then either it seems.
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