Tennis power couple Katie Boulter and Alex de Minaur among the athletes stuck in Mexico. As violence erupts following the death of infamous drug lord Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes.
The pair, who engage in December 2024, set to compete in separate tournaments this week—Boulter in Merida and de Minaur in Acapulco. However, the situation in the country has become increasingly dangerous. After ‘El Mencho,’ leader of the fear Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), killed during a security operation, according to Mexico’s defense ministry.
The CJNG, known for trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl to the U.S., retaliated with violent acts. Including setting vehicles on fire, creating roadblocks, and clashing with security forces across eight states.
Despite the unrest, Boulter is schedule to face Beatriz Haddad Maia on Tuesday. While de Minaur is set to play Patrick Kypson the same day. Other top players, such as Alexander Zverev, Cameron Norrie, Emma Navarro, and Ann Li, are also participating in the tournaments.
Brett Haber Suggested Player Safety
The escalating violence has sparked concern within the tennis community. Commentator Brett Haber took to social media to urge the ATP and WTA to prioritize player safety. “Just left Mexico. Police activity at the airport was insane,” he wrote on X. “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. Put them up for an extra week at Indian Wells to train and stay safe. This is not a drill.”
Ellison, the billionaire owner of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden Is preparing to host one of the year’s biggest tournaments outside the four Grand Slams next month.
U.S. State Department Provides Safety
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department has issued a shelter-in-place warning for Americans in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, and parts of Michoacan, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon. Similarly, the Canadian government has advised against non-essential travel to many areas in Mexico. Due to high levels of violence and organized crime.
