Tennis stars were put on red alert over the weekend after a wave of violence swept across Mexico following the death of a notorious drug lord. The former cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, who was nicknamed ‘El Mencho’, was killed during a raid by Mexican special forces on Sunday.

It sparked chaos across the country, but Guadalajara has been considered the epicentre, as cartels clashed with the police and Mexico’s special forces. The good news for the tennis players taking part in this week’s ATP and WTA Tour events is that the venue in Merida is over 1000 miles from Guadalajara.

That hasn’t stopped event organisers from issuing stern warnings to the competing players, including Brit Katie Boulter, who is in action this week. Australia’s Davis Cup physiotherapist Dalibor Bendzala told The Sydney Morning Herald that the organisers have been in constant contact with players and staff alike, advising them on the best course of action.

He said: “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 to the airport when departing. Security on site had already been strong, and in recent days, has been stepped up and more evident.

“[We have] strong advice not to leave the grounds of the hotel, and routes for transport have even been altered to ensure we don’t need to leave the site if not necessary. Otherwise, it feels like a safe cocoon here with many people holidaying and attending the popular tournament.”

Meanwhile, the Mexican Open bigwigs said in a statement: “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.”

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There have been calls for the event to be cancelled, even though neither Merida nor the state of Yucatan have been impacted by the violence. But that hasn’t meant a heavy security presence on the streets, as well as potential flashpoints like the local airport.

Tennis Channel commentator Brett Haber posted on X: “Just left Mexico. Police activity at the airport was insane. Polite suggestion to the ATP Tour and WTA Tour — 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.”