Alexander Zverev is the first tennis player to commit to the 28th edition of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel to be celebrated between 15 and 20 March 2021.
Held annually at the Fairmont Acapulco Princess stadium in Acapulco, the prestigious event has traditionally captivated tennis players for over 20 years in an environment surrounded by breathtaking seaside views.
The fans have also played a vital role in the tournament’s success; nearly 55,000 spectators pack the stadium to watch top players displaying high-class tennis on the outdoor hard courts.
Last year, they saw how world No. 2 Rafael Nadal clinched his first title in the 2020 tennis season - his third (2005, 2013, and 2020) at the Mexican Open.
In 2021, the ATP World Tour 500 venue - presented by HSBC, promises to deliver the best tennis while adjusting to the new criteria imposed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the organization, they have been working closely with the local Government and the ATP in order to act responsibly and comply with all health and safety protocols.
Albeit the XXVIII edition of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel (AMT) is allowed to admit up fans, it will do at a capped 30% capacity.
In the lead up to the event, Sports Pundit caught up with Raul Zurutuza, Director of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel from 2002, to speak about the challenges enforced by COVID-19, the health guidelines, and discuss the schedule.
Which aspects have proven to be especially challenging in the moment of organizing a tournament of such magnitude with an ongoing global pandemic?
I believe the major challenge we have is to grant the players, staff, and spectators the best possible assurance that we will run the tournament with the highest standards and protocols.
The venue will operate with a 30% attendance capacity, so in this particular item, we have a fantastic opportunity to give our fans a safe and healthy environment.
As for the players, the Princess Mundo Imperial Hotel has been an incredible partner and has lent us one of their three towers for the specific use of the players and ATP staff, allowing us to provide a safe and secure bubble for them all.
According to local health authorities, there has been a spike in COVID-19 cases in the Guerrero State - where Acapulco is localized.
How could it affect the tournament in terms of the number of spectators allowed into the stadium?
We are working closely with the Guerrero state Health Authorities. As of today, the plans to operate with the 30% capacity are in place.
We expect that the rate is lower, and by the time the event kicks off, the “Covid Risk Level” turns yellow (on a green, yellow, orange, and red scale).
What are the safety and health protocols the players will have to follow upon arrival in Acapulco?
Upon arrival, the players will undertake a PCR test, waiting in their rooms for the test result. If it turns out negative, they will get their credentials and move freely inside the bubble.
Testing will take place every four days.
If the result is positive, the individual will be lead to a room in a hotel section, reserved for these purposes, entering a 14-day quarantine until testing negative.
The ATP Tour has recently announced the Qualifying Draw size for the AMT increases from 16 to 32 players. Could you elaborate on this?
The idea is simple, to give players more job opportunities. We agreed on this as we feel that it is fundamental to support the players.
The first idea was to have 48 singles main draw, but in our case, this was not possible, as we would need to add one more day, so 32 SQ came to a great solution.
Which players have already committed to the tournament in 2021?
Players are making decisions very close to the deadline; so far, only Sasha Zverev has been confirmed. I am sure that we will have a great draw.
When does the AMT plan to reveal the full men’s singles tournament entries and seeds?
The entry list moved from six to four weeks before the event, so by the week of February 15, it will be released.
What would you say to the fans, looking forward to the Abierto Mexicano in March?
That we are working to give them the best possible healthy environment that they need to make a decision and come to Acapulco; it will be a great week of tennis!
What are the plans for 2022?
As of today, to inaugurate our new home at Princess Mundo Imperial.
KEYNOTES
The event - usually held in February, was supposed to move to a new facility by January 2021, the Complejo Tenistica Mundo Imperial, featuring a modern multi-function stadium, an investment estimated at $8 million.
However, the construction of the new stadium got suspended due to the economic effects of the pandemic.
The 21st edition of the women Mexican Open - the WTA International, has been canceled as an agreement with the WTA franchise owner could not move forward.
In 2020, the men’s singles final match featured Nadal playing Taylor Fritz.
The Spaniard prevailed over the American without dropping a set to seal with a 6-3 6-2 victory.
As for Alexander Zverev, the German reached the finals in Acapulco in 2019, which he lost to Australian Nick Kyrgios.