Alex de Minaur in Mexico as cartel violence sparks evacuation calls for ATP, WTA players
Calls are growing for Australian tennis star Alex de Minaur to be evacuated from Mexico as cartel violence erupts in parts of the country, including areas hosting major international tournaments.
The Australian No.1 is currently preparing to compete in the ATP event in Acapulco while his fiancée, British star Katie Boulter, is preparing to play in the WTA tournament in Merida.
The tournaments are going ahead despite a surge in gang violence following the killing of powerful drug lord Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, nicknamed “El Mencho,” during a military operation in the western state of Jalisco on Sunday.
His death triggered reprisal attacks in several states, in which gunmen set fire to vehicles, blocked highways and forced civilians to seek shelter indoors. It was reported that at least 25 Mexican soldiers died in clashes with drug gangs.
Footage circulating online showed thick clouds of smoke rising over tourist hotspots, including Puerto Vallarta, as visitors were stranded in hotels due to transportation disruptions.
Oseguera, 59, was considered the last of Mexico’s cartel leaders to operate under the ruthless mold of the now-imprisoned Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada.
Although Acapulco and Merida have traditionally been considered safe cities for international sporting events, the extent of the unrest has raised concerns about the safety of players.
World No. 4 Alexander Zverev tops the standings in Acapulco Sun.
De Minaur will face Patrick Kypson in Acapulco on Tuesday. He enters the tournament in strong form, having won the title in 2023 and 2024, and is on a 10-match winning streak at the Mexican event.
Former Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini leads the field in Merida alongside Boulter.
But respected tennis broadcaster Brett Haber called on organizers to act quickly to protect players.
Tennis channel commentator wrote about X: “Just left Mexico. Police activity at the airport was crazy”.
“A polite suggestion to the APT and the WTA and to Larry Ellison: Get a plane to Acapulco, a plane to Merida and get everyone out of there and put them in Indian Wells for an extra week to train and be safe. This is not a drill.”
The Australian Government has updated its travel advice for Mexico amid the violence, warning of serious security incidents in Jalisco and surrounding areas.
Mexico has seen an increase in gang violence not seen in years, as cartel reprisals spread beyond traditional strongholds and into tourist hotspots.
Organizers have yet to indicate any changes to the tournament schedule, but as unrest grows, so does pressure on officials and tennis officials to review security arrangements.
