The escalating unrest and violence in Mexico cast doubt over the staging of the upcoming ATP 500 event in Acapulco, with speculation mounting that the tournament could be called off. However, the tournament organizers have firmly dismissed those reports, meaning top stars like Frances Tiafoe, Alexander Zverev, and others are still set to compete.
Top Stars Like Frances Tiafoe Will Compete at the Mexican Open After Tournament Dismisses Cancellation Rumors
The ATP 500 event features a star-studded line-up spearheaded by the likes of Alex De Minaur, Alexander Zverev, Flavio Cobolli, Valentin Vacherot, Frances Tiafoe, and others. It is currently taking place at Arena GNP Seguros, with the final on Feb. 28.
The tournament is set to proceed amid heightened tensions across Mexico following a major security development. Authorities confirmed that Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho” and the alleged leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed during a military operation on Sunday.
Considered one of the country’s most wanted figures, he had long been a top target for law enforcement, with a reported $15 million bounty offered for information leading to his capture.
The aftermath of his death has triggered unrest in multiple parts of Mexico, prompting the temporary closure of shops, schools, and businesses in several cities, including Acapulco. This also fueled speculation that the Mexican Open could be called off, but tournament organizers swiftly moved to deny those reports, reaffirming that the event will go ahead as scheduled.
“Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC reports that the statement circulating in some media outlets and social networks about the alleged cancellation of the event due to security issues in Jalisco is false,” they stated.Â
“The tournament has not issued any cancellation notice. The event continues as scheduled and the tournament is operating normally. We remain in constant coordination and communication with federal, state and municipal authorities, under established security protocols,” they added.
While the tournament has confirmed that the event will proceed as planned, it is also worth noting that security forces have recently been deployed around the tournament site in Acapulco. Additionally, the tournament successfully hosted its Kids Day in the afternoon, followed by the White Party for players and sponsors later that evening.
Security forces around the tournament site in Acapulco yesterday.
The tournament also successfully staged Kids Day in the afternoon and White Party for players and sponsors in the night so all seems to be good. https://t.co/xTlmVRDhDm
— Oleg S. (@AnnaK_4ever) February 23, 2026
Tiafoe, who entered the event as the eighth seed, will start his campaign on Tuesday against Nuno Borges. Meanwhile, Zverev, who is the top seed in the event, will face Corentin Moutet in the first round on Tuesday.
