“This Is Not a Drill”: Tennis Channel Analyst Begs ATP to Evacuate Players as Cartel Violence Engulfs Mexico
El Mencho’s death sparks nationwide terror, leaving Acapulco Open status in doubt as players face “insane” security situation
February 23, 2026 | 4 min read
The Acapulco Open was supposed to showcase tennis. Instead, it’s become a question of survival.
A wave of cartel violence has swept across Mexico following the military killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho. And now the ATP 500 tournament in Acapulco—featuring Alexander Zverev, Alex de Minaur, Casper Ruud, Frances Tiafoe, and Grigor Dimitrov—faces an uncertain future.
Brett Haber, analyst for Tennis Channel, didn’t mince words after witnessing the situation firsthand.
“Just left Mexico,” Haber posted online. “Police activity at the airport was insane.”
His plea to the ATP and WTA was urgent and direct:
“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.”
The Tournament’s Response
The Abierto Mexicano quickly pushed back against cancellation rumors.
| Statement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cancellation | “The statement circulating is false” |
| Event status | “Proceeding as planned” |
| Operations | “Running normally” |
| Security | “Constant coordination with authorities” |
But organizers insisting everything is fine while cartels burn vehicles across 20 states? That’s a tough sell.
What’s Happening in Mexico
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who | El Mencho (CJNG leader) |
| How | Died in custody after firefight with special forces |
| Casualties | 6 cartel guards killed, 3 soldiers wounded |
| Retaliation | Cartel members torching vehicles, blocking roads, burning businesses |
| States affected | Jalisco, Baja California, Quintana Roo, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacán, Oaxaca, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas |
In Puerto Vallarta, tourists sheltered in place as smoke rose from burning vehicles. In Guadalajara, airport travelers ran for cover after hearing nearby gunfire. Around 300 stranded passengers needed police escorts to reach safety.
The Jalisco governor declared a “code red,” suspending:
-
Public transport
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Mass events
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Schools
Authorities reported over 250 road-blocking incidents. 25 individuals were arrested for violence or looting. But tensions remain dangerously high.
The US State Department advised citizens to shelter in place across nine states.
Acapulco’s draw is stacked. Top players flew in expecting tennis. Now they’re facing something no amount of baseline practice prepares you for.
| Question | Reality |
|---|---|
| Is the tournament safe? | Officials say yes. Eyaewitnesses say “insane.” |
| Should players leave? | Haber says evcuate immediately. |
| Will the ATP act? | Unknown. |
Tennis tournaments get postponed for rain. For pandemics. For scheduling conflicts.
But for cartel violence spreading across 20 states after a kingpin’s death? That’s new territory.
Organizers insist the show goes on. But when a Tennis Channel analyst who was just there begs the ATP to evacuate players, maybe it’s time to listen.
“This is not a drill,” Haber said.
The question is: Will the ATP treat it like one?