“The tournament and ATP have been in constant contact and updating us on the current situation in Mexico,” Bendzala told this masthead.
“They have assured us of extra security to the airport when departing. Security on site had already been strong, and in recent days, has been stepped up and more evident.
De Minaur after his 2023 win in Mexico.Credit: AP
“[We have] strong advice not to leave the grounds of the hotel, and routes for transport have even been altered to ensure we don’t need to leave site if not necessary. Otherwise, it feels like a safe cocoon here with many people holidaying and attending the popular tournament.”
The Mexican Open issued a statement, saying suggestions that the event would be cancelled due to security issues in Jalisco were false. Jalisco is located northwest of Acapulco, about 1432 kilometres away.
“The event continues as scheduled and tournament operations are proceeding normally,” the tournament statement said.
“We remain in coordination and constant communication with federal, state and municipal authorities, under the established security protocols.”
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There is also a WTA tournament in Mexico this week, the Merida Open, where Priscilla Hon, who lost in qualifying, was Australia’s sole representative.
De Minaur’s fiancee, Great Britain’s Katie Boulter, is among the players competing. The event is in the state of Yucatan, which is currently operating as usual without cartel blockades and with airports still functional.
However, the WTA said there was an increased police presence and additional security measures at the tournament.
Other sports in Mexico have been impacted.
Several soccer matches have already been postponed, while the municipal government of Tlajomulco announced that, as a safety precaution, it was temporarily suspending public events, including the International Horse and Charreria Festival.
There are also fears that upcoming World Cup matches, which begin at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11, could be impacted.
Four World Cup matches are scheduled to be held at Estadio Guadalajara, in Jalisco, but the violence in the region has created uncertainty about whether they will still go ahead.
