The tennis community is paying tribute to Alejandro Burillo Azcárraga, founder of Mextenis who brought elite ATP tournaments to Mexico—including the Acapulco Open—at age 75 following his death on April 16. Stars and organizers credit him with transforming the sport in Latin America.
As part of ongoing remembrances following Alejandro Burillo Azcárraga's passing on April 16 at 75, the tennis world has highlighted his transformative impact on the sport in Mexico.
Burillo founded Mextenis in 1992, debuting Mexico City on the ATP Tour in 1993. He elevated the Acapulco Open by switching it to hard courts, turning it into a premier ATP 500 event that drew Rafael Nadal (four-time champion) and other top players.
Today, Mexico hosts two ATP stops tied to his vision: the 500-level Acapulco Open and 250-level Los Cabos Open.
Mextenis stated: “He bet on bringing it (tennis) to Acapulco, bringing it closer to the people and bringing the great international figures who marked an era.”
Mexican doubles player Santiago Gonzalez paid tribute: “a great guy, a great sports guy. First in soccer, then in tennis. He introduced Acapulco and made it one of the best tournaments in the world. We will miss him, and I wish his family all the best.”
Burillo, who also led in soccer administration and built Grupo Pegaso in the footsteps of his uncle Emilio Azcárraga Milmo of Grupo Televisa, forged key ties with players, the ATP, and sponsors—solidifying tennis's growth across Latin America.
