The ATP Mexican Open is set to continue as scheduled despite civil unrest following the death of the country’s most notorious drug baron.
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as ‘El Mencho’, died yesterday in police custody after being arrested in Jalisco state over the weekend.
His death has prompted a wave of violence across Mexico, led by the country’s most powerful and notorious criminal organisation – the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) – of whom El Mencho was the leader.
It has thrown several sporting fixtures into chaos with the men’s football match between Queretaro and FC Juarez and the women’s clash involving Chivas and America postponed.
There was concern that the Mexican Open, which is being staged in Guerrero, one of five states which the US government has advised against travelling around, would also be disrupted but tournament organisers today insisted it is business as usual.
A statement read: “The supposed cancellation of the event due to security issues in Jalisco is false. The event continues as scheduled and tournament operations are proceeding normally.
“We remain in coordination and constant communication with federal, state, and municipal authorities, under the established security protocols.”
Zverev the big name along with De Minaur
German Alexander Zverev is the top seed with Alex De Minaur of Australia seeded second.
Casper Ruud, Gael Monfis, Cam Norrie, Grigor Dimitrov and Frances Tiafoe are among other big-name players to be taking part.
One of the week’s WTA events, the Merida Open, is also being staged in Mexico.
That, however, is taking place in Yucatan, a state that has not been seriously affected by the violence.
Italy’s Jasmine Paolini is the top seed.
