Alexander Zverev advanced in the Mexican Open with a straight-sets victory, while players face strict movement rules due to security concerns in Mexico. Frances Tiafoe also progressed, but Alex de Minaur exited early. Tournament organizers affirm the event continues as planned.
The 2026 Mexican Open in Acapulco proceeds under heightened security measures amid ongoing concerns in parts of Mexico. As the top seed and 2021 champion, Alexander Zverev started his campaign with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Corentin Moutet in the opening round. Zverev did not face a break point, landing 79 percent of first serves and winning 79 percent of those points, according to Infosys ATP Stats. He fired five aces, broke twice in the first set completed in under 40 minutes, and relied on his two-handed backhand and net play to secure the match.
"Corentin can be a tricky opponent, especially if you haven’t played matches in a while, like myself," Zverev said. "So definitely happy with the performance and looking forward to what’s ahead." He added, "It wasn’t easy (the match); he hit several drop shots, and that style of tennis isn’t easy, but when I had the opportunity, I won the match. Acapulco isn’t an easy place to play because of the conditions, but I feel I’m playing at a good level."
This victory marks Zverev's 15th win in Acapulco (15-5 lifetime), tying Rafael Nadal for the most since hard courts were introduced in 2014. It also gives him 117 ATP 500 wins (117-49), second to Nadal's 121.
Frances Tiafoe defeated Nuno Borges 6-4, 6-4 in the round of 32. Defending champion and No. 2 seed Alex de Minaur lost in the opening round. Australia's Davis Cup physiotherapist Dalibor Bendzala described the situation: "The tournament and ATP have been in constant contact and updating us on the current situation in Mexico. They have assured us of extra security at the airport when departing. Security on site had already been strong and, in recent days, has been stepped up and more evident."
Players receive strong advice not to leave hotel grounds, with transport routes altered to minimize off-site travel. Bendzala noted it feels like "a safe cocoon here with many people holidaying and attending the popular tournament."
Organizers of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel stated, "The event continues as scheduled, and tournament operations are proceeding normally. We remain in coordination and constant communication with federal, state, and municipal authorities under the established security protocols." Several soccer matches in Mexico have been postponed, but tennis events in Acapulco and Merida continue.
Tennis commentator Brett Haber expressed concerns after observing heavy police presence at the airport: "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."
Off court, Zverev was spotted with his four-year-old daughter Mayla, born in March 2021 to him and former partner Brenda Patea. "I try to keep her away from the spotlight. I want her to be a normal child, growing up with a normal life," Zverev said. "I try to keep her out of social media, all the Instagrammie stuff. It’s nice that she comes more and more."
