AMT’s Unique Selling Proposition: The Human Touch
The Abierto Mexicano de Tenis (AMT) acknowledges that it cannot match the financial incentives offered by Middle Eastern tournaments such as Doha and Dubai to lure the world’s top-ranked players. These tournaments, also categorized as ATP 500 (third in hierarchy after Grand Slams and Masters 1000), provide up to 50% more prize money compared to AMT.
AMT’s Position in the ATP Tour Hierarchy
José Antonio Fernández, director of operations at Mextenis (the organizing company for AMT), explains to El Economista, “There are two levels within category 500 tournaments. The first group includes Doha, Dubai, Beijing, and Rotterdam. The second comprises all other tournaments.” He further adds, “These high-level tournaments can indeed be paying up to 50% more than we do. It’s challenging because those four tournaments have no budget cap, while the rest do.”
AMT’s Response to Middle Eastern Competition
The debate with Middle Eastern tournaments intensified after the Doha Open announced a star-studded lineup for 2026, including Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Alexander Bublik – all top 10 players in the world ranking.
In response, AMT confirmed four top 10 players for its 33rd edition (February 21-28, 2026): Alexander Zverev (3), Lorenzo Musetti (5), Alex de Minaur (6), and Ben Shelton (7). Zverev, currently a semifinalist at the Australian Open (a Grand Slam event), is among them.
AMT has consistently attracted three or more top 10 players in its lineup for the past five editions, peaking at five in 2022. This has allowed Acapulco to host prominent figures like Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev, and Taylor Fritz, along with the aforementioned players for 2026.
The Human Factor: What Sets AMT Apart
According to Fernández and Álvaro Falla, AMT’s director, “The formula isn’t money; it’s ‘the human factor.’ A person who worked in Doha for four years and then joined Los Cabos remarked, ‘Now I understand why players prefer Acapulco over the Middle East.’ The difference, they clearly stated, is the warmth and attention to detail Mexico provides for players.”
Challenges Faced by AMT
One challenge for AMT is that Indian Wells and Miami’s 1000 Masters are played the week following AMT, causing some players to opt for rest before traveling to these US-based events.
“It’s a constant competition among tournaments to see who offers what or which city appeals more to players. It’s complex; it’s a matter of qualities, opportunities, and reach that each tournament offers, while players evaluate where they get the best options,” Falla adds.
Lack of ATP Regulation
Previously, Roger Federer was the sought-after player for Acapulco, but his sponsorship ties prevented it. Now, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Novak Djokovic occupy those spots.
“We’ve certainly tried to secure their participation, and we’ve been close with one in particular, but we’re still missing that crucial element,” Fernández jokes.
Questions and Answers
- Is there an ATP regulation framework to prevent such disparity in tournament offers, especially from Middle Eastern tournaments?
Currently, there are no regulations, limits, or conditions. Tournaments essentially self-regulate regarding how much money they can offer, the destination’s appeal, hotel accommodations, and audience attraction. Ultimately, it’s the players’ personal decision based on various factors like prize money, food, and audience.
- Would you consider fair to have such regulation?
“I believe in free competition, and sometimes too many limitations can restrict freedom. I don’t think it’s entirely fair, but it’s part of the competitive landscape. I prefer open competition,” Falla emphasizes.
AMT’s Unique Position in Latin America
AMT and the Rio de Janeiro Open (Brazil) are currently the only ATP 500 tournaments held in Latin America.
In 2026, AMT’s total prize pool will be $2.7 million (2.5 million in 2025), with Juan Martín Del Potro as its ambassador. Additionally, AMT will host an unprecedented coaches’ congress from February 23-25, featuring David Witt (former coach of Venus Williams) and Pedro Clar (current coach of Casper Ruud).
