Alex de Minaur in Mexico as cartel violence sparks evacuation calls for ATP, WTA players
Evacuation calls are growing for Alex de Minaur and other tennis pros as cartel retaliation sweeps through Mexico, including regions hosting the Acapulco ATP tournament.
Calls are mounting to evacuate Aussie tennis star Alex de Minaur from Mexico as cartel violence erupts across parts of the country, including areas hosting major international tournaments.
The Australian Number 1 is currently in Acapulco preparing to compete in the ATP event, while his fiancée, British star Katie Boulter, is set to play in the WTA tournament in Merida.
The tournaments are proceeding despite a surge in gang violence following the killing of powerful drug lord Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho”, during a military operation in the western state of Jalisco on Sunday.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.His death triggered retaliatory attacks across several states, with gunmen torching vehicles, blocking highways and forcing civilians to shelter indoors. At least 25 Mexican troops have reportedly died in clashes with drug gangs.
Images circulating online show thick plumes of smoke rising over tourist hotspots, including Puerto Vallarta, as visitors remain stranded in hotels amid transport disruptions.
Oseguera, 59, was considered the last of Mexico’s cartel leaders operating in the brutal mould of the now-imprisoned Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada.
While Acapulco and Merida are traditionally regarded as safe for international sporting events, the scale of the unrest has prompted concerns for player safety.
World Number 4 Alexander Zverev is the top seed in Acapulco.
De Minaur is due to battle 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 headlines the field in Merida, alongside Boulter.
But respected tennis broadcaster Brett Haber has urged organisers to act swiftly to protect players.
The tennis channel commentator wrote on X, “Just left Mexico. Police activity at the airport was insane”.
“Polite suggestion to the (APT and WTA) — and to Larry Ellison: get one plane to Acapulco and one to Merida and get everybody out of there — and put them up for an extra week at Indian Wells 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 regions.
Mexico has seen a surge in gang violence not witnessed for years, with cartel retaliation spreading beyond traditional strongholds and into areas popular with tourists.
Organisers have yet to indicate any change to the tournament schedule, but pressure is growing for authorities and tennis officials to review security arrangements as unrest grows.
