Professional tennis players competing in Mexico are facing growing safety fears after violent unrest spread across the country following the death of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Mexican authorities confirmed the cartel leader was killed during a special forces operation in western Jalisco, triggering a wave of revenge attacks.
Tourists and athletes were reportedly told to stay inside accommodation as hotels are in lockdown, as cartel gunmen burned vehicles, set up roadblocks and clashed with security forces across multiple states.
Security sources say international sporting authorities are actively discussing contingency plans, including specific safety measures, to prioritise athlete safety and reassure stakeholders.
British number one Cameron Norrie is scheduled to compete in the ATP 500 tournament in Acapulco, facing Spanish wildcard Rafael Jodar.
Brits warned ‘stay indoors’ as Mexico turns ‘into a war zone’ after death of cartel leader
Meanwhile, Katie Boulter is set to play Beatriz Haddad Maia at the WTA Merida Open.
Authorities are monitoring risks after the killing of cartel chief El Mencho.
There are grave security concerns about possible retaliatory violence near transport hubs, prompting authorities to implement protective measures for tournament venues and participants, underscoring their commitment to safety.
There must be a clearly defined emergency evacuation plan in place to ensure a rapid response if thousands need to flee Mexico, which is vital for reassuring athletes and stakeholders of their safety.
Organisers are expected to review conditions daily, demonstrating their commitment to athlete safety amid increasing international concern.
Sporting bodies have stressed that player welfare remains the highest priority amid the crisis.
Tennis broadcaster Brett Haber, who has already left Mexico, is demanding that organisers “get everybody out of there.”
Haber wrote on X, “Just left Mexico. Police activity at the airport was insane.
“Polite suggestion to the @atptour & @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.”
Holidaymakers across parts of western Mexico have been urged to remain inside their hotels after the reported killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the alleged leader of one of the country’s most powerful criminal organisations.
Footage circulating online appeared to show passengers dropping to the floor at Guadalajara International Airport as gunfire was heard nearby, amid a wave of violence across Jalisco.
Mexican authorities said Oseguera Cervantes — widely known by the alias “El Mencho” — was targeted in a military operation in the town of Tapalpa in the central-western state of Jalisco.
The British Foreign Office has warned, “Serious security incidents have been reported on 22 February across the state of Jalisco, including in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, following a federal law-enforcement operation against organised crime in the municipality of Tapalpa.
“Authorities in Puerto Vallarta have issued a public advisory to stay indoors. Routes to airports may be blocked. Incidents are also being reported in other parts of the country. You should exercise extreme caution, follow local authorities’ advice, including orders to stay indoors and avoid non‑essential travel in affected areas.”
“The US Embassy in Mexico City urged American citizens throughout the state of Jalisco as well as some other parts of the country to “shelter in place until further notice”. The security alert warned of “ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity.”
