Mafia Violence? No Worries! Acapulco's ATP 500 Event To Continue Despite Escalating Violence

Last Updated:February 24, 2026, 16:36 IST

Acapulco's ATP 500 event will proceed as scheduled despite unrest after Nemesio El Mencho Oseguera Cervantes was killed.

The Abierto Mexicano Telcel will “go on as scheduled" this week in Acapulco, tournament organizers confirmed, dismissing swirling rumors of a postponement amid escalating violence in Mexico.

In a statement released Sunday, officials behind the ATP 500 event rejected reports circulating on social media suggesting the tournament could be canceled due to unrest in the nearby state of Jalisco.

“The rumors … about the tournament’s supposed cancellation due to the security issues in Jalisco are false," organizers said. “The event will go on as scheduled and tournament operations will proceed as normal."

They added that they remain in constant coordination with federal, state and municipal authorities and are following established security protocols.

Cartel Leader Killed, Violence Erupts

The tensions follow the killing of Nemesio “El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during a Mexican military operation.

According to Mexico’s defense ministry, Oseguera Cervantes was captured by special forces in Tapalpa, Jalisco, after a firefight involving his bodyguards. He later died in custody while being transported to Mexico City.

In the aftermath, armed CJNG groups retaliated by blocking highways and setting fire to supermarkets, banks and vehicles in multiple states, including Jalisco’s capital, Guadalajara, one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Travel Alerts, Match Cancellations

The unrest prompted the U.S. State Department to issue a security alert advising Americans to shelter in place in five states: Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Nuevo Leon and Guerrero, with the latter home to Acapulco and the Abierto Mexicano Telcel.

Security concerns also forced the cancellation of four domestic football matches, including fixtures in Liga MX and Liga MX Femenil. Several airlines suspended flights as a precaution.

Despite the wider instability, tournament officials insist the Acapulco event will proceed as planned, with enhanced coordination alongside authorities.

For now, tennis will continue.

News sports tennis Mafia Violence? No Worries! Acapulco's ATP 500 Event To Continue Despite Escalating Violence

Read More