The ATP 500 event in Acapulco, scheduled for February 23-28, 2026, has introduced a 4.5% reduction in winner's prize money and a ban on red meat in the players' restaurant to address doping contamination risks. Defending champion Tomas Machac returns amid a field featuring top seeds like Alexander Zverev and Alex de Minaur. The changes aim to safeguard player eligibility while sparking debate on player welfare and tournament priorities.
The Mexican Open, officially the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC, has been a key stop on the ATP Tour since its inception. For the 2026 edition, set to run from February 23 to 28 in Acapulco, organizers have implemented notable adjustments. The winner's prize money has been reduced by 4.5%, dropping from $2,585,410 awarded in 2025. This cut comes alongside a policy prohibiting red meat from the players' restaurant menu, driven by concerns over potential contamination with prohibited substances.
A document circulated to players explains the dietary measure: “To minimize the risk of contamination with prohibited anti-doping substances, the Abierto Mexican Telcel presentado por HSBC, in collaboration with the ATP, will provide high-quality protein options that do not include meat.” Alternatives include fish, seafood, eggs, dairy products, and pulses to ensure nutritional needs are met without risk. ATP officials have described the policy as “purely preventive,” emphasizing its role in protecting player eligibility and tournament integrity under World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines.
This initiative responds to historical issues in Latin America, where livestock treatments with anabolic steroids or growth hormones have led to contaminated meat entering the food chain. Past cases underscore the rationale: In 2024, Brazilian player Nicolas Zanellato tested positive for boldenone at a Challenger event in Colombia but was cleared by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) after evidence linked it to tainted beef. Similarly, in 2022, Tara Moore and Bárbara Gatica faced positive tests in Bogotá, later ruled as bearing “No Fault or Negligence” due to contaminated meat. Former doubles No. 1 Robert Farah was provisionally suspended in 2020 following a positive test from Colombian meat but was exonerated upon investigation.
The ITIA has issued similar warnings elsewhere, including advisories for players in China, Mexico, and Guatemala to avoid meat and opt for plant-based or fish proteins. Last year, during the Asian swing post-US Open, such alerts highlighted how routine meals could jeopardize careers.
While no doping incidents occurred at the 2025 Mexican Open, health concerns arose with withdrawals by top seeds Casper Ruud, Holger Rune, and Tommy Paul due to illness. The 2026 field includes Alexander Zverev as the top seed and 2021 champion, Alex de Minaur (2023 and 2024 winner), Ben Shelton, and Casper Ruud. Lorenzo Musetti has withdrawn due to injury. Tomas Machac, who defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the 2025 final for his first ATP title, defends his crown.
Social media reactions are mixed, with some fans questioning the restrictions and others praising the safety focus. The changes coincide with broader tour efforts to balance nutrition, performance, and anti-doping compliance.
