Will the Mexican Open Continue Despite Drug Cartel Violence?

The Mexican Open will proceed as planned despite recent violence linked to the death of notorious drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho." Cameron Norrie, currently ranked 26 in the world, is set to compete in the tournament, which starts on Monday in Acapulco, Guerrero. The organisers have assured players and fans that security measures are in place, and operations will continue as scheduled.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

In the wake of El Mencho's death following his capture by Mexican special forces, the Mexican Open is set to take place amid heightened tensions in the region. Violence erupted in Jalisco, where El Mencho was apprehended, leading to clashes between his supporters and the military. Despite the unrest, the organisers of the Mexican Open reaffirmed that the tournament will go ahead, maintaining communication with relevant authorities to ensure safety protocols are followed.

Key takeaways

Cameron Norrie will compete in the Mexican Open, facing Rafael Jodar in the first round.
The tournament organisers have confirmed that the event will proceed as planned.
Violence in Jalisco has prompted US government warnings for citizens to exercise caution.

Timeline: how we got here

The crucial events leading up to the current situation include:

Sunday, 8 October 2023: El Mencho is captured by Mexican special forces but suffers serious injuries during clashes.
Subsequent days: Violence escalates in Jalisco as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel retaliates, resulting in burning blockades and attacks on businesses.
12 October 2023: The Mexican Open confirms the tournament will proceed as scheduled.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest updates indicate that while violent incidents have intensified in certain regions, the Mexican Open remains unaffected in terms of scheduling. The organisers have communicated their commitment to safety and operational readiness.

What was already established

Prior to this week, the Mexican Open was confirmed to be a significant event on the ATP tour, attracting players from around the world. The US government had already issued travel advisories for various states in Mexico, including Guerrero, due to ongoing security concerns.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The recent violence may raise concerns among UK travellers considering trips to Mexico, particularly in regions affected by cartel activities. However, Acapulco has not reported incidents directly related to the tournament, and the event itself aims to proceed without disruption.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses in Acapulco and surrounding areas, the successful execution of the Mexican Open could provide a much-needed boost to the local economy. Many jobs in hospitality and tourism depend on events like these, and the commitment of the organisers will be crucial in maintaining consumer confidence.

Policy and regulation

Authorities at various levels, including federal, state, and municipal, are involved in ensuring security at the tournament. The Mexican government may face scrutiny over its ability to maintain safety in light of recent events, and forthcoming discussions around tourism and safety protocols may arise.

Numbers that matter

26: Current ranking of Cameron Norrie in the ATP standings.
5: Number of Mexican states where the US government has issued shelter-in-place warnings due to violence.
1: The number of matches Norrie is scheduled to play on Monday against Rafael Jodar.

Definitions and jargon buster

Cartel: A criminal organisation that engages in illegal drug trafficking and other illicit activities.
ATP: Association of Tennis Professionals, the governing body for men's professional tennis.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the tournament unfolds, immediate attention will be on player safety and event security measures. Keeping informed about the situation in Acapulco and any advisories from the UK government will be advisable.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Monitoring the impact of the Mexican Open on local businesses and tourism will be essential. Observing how the Mexican authorities manage ongoing security issues in Jalisco and other affected states will provide further insight into future events.

Signals to watch

Reactions from the UK government regarding travel advisories.
Updates from the tournament organisers about security measures.
Any escalation of violence in Jalisco or surrounding areas.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about the latest travel advisories from the UK government.
Follow updates from the Mexican Open regarding security protocols.

Don’t

Ignore local news and updates about the ongoing situation in Mexico.
Assume that the tournament is safe without verifying information from trusted sources.

Checklist

Check for travel advisories before planning any trips to Mexico.
Look for updates from the event organisers regarding safety measures.
Monitor news regarding the local situation in Jalisco and Guerrero.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the Mexican Open is currently set to proceed, there remains uncertainty regarding the potential for escalating violence in the region. Organisers have asserted that security measures are in place, but the situation remains fluid. The potential for unexpected incidents cannot be ignored, and those planning to attend should exercise caution and remain vigilant.

Bottom line

The Mexican Open will go ahead despite recent turmoil, with Cameron Norrie among the competitors. While the organisers assure all safety measures are being implemented, the situation in Mexico serves as a reminder for travellers and participants to stay informed and vigilant about their surroundings.

FAQs

Will the Mexican Open be cancelled due to violence?

No, the Mexican Open is confirmed to proceed as planned despite recent violence in Jalisco.

Who is Cameron Norrie playing in the first round?

Cameron Norrie is set to face Spaniard Rafael Jodar in the first round of the Mexican Open.

What precautions are being taken for the tournament's safety?

The tournament organisers are in constant communication with authorities to ensure security protocols are followed throughout the event.