The 2025 Abierto Mexicano de Tenis, hosted at the Arena GNP Seguros in Acapulco, is now officially underway, showcasing one of the most competitive fields seen to date. With top 15 ATP players like Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud, Tommy Paul, and Ben Shelton participating, the tournament promises thrilling matches from February 22 through March 1.
The tournament, now in its 32nd edition, kicked off with the first round of singles matches under highly anticipated circumstances. Local fans have been particularly eager to support Rodrigo Pacheco, the promising Mexican player who earned his wildcard entry for this prestigious event.
Fans flocked to the venue as they anticipated high-stakes matches right from the start. The slate of matches on Monday, February 24, includes highlights such as Arthur Rinderknech facing Casper Ruud and Tommy Paul battling Gabriel Diallo. Ruud, who currently ranks fifth globally, noted his excitement for returning to the tournament, expressing, "I feel good; it’s nice to be back. The players have had a good night thanks to this party before starting the tournament."
Ruud’s opponent, Rinderknech, ranked 61st, hasn’t seen the same level of success entering the tournament, holding just two wins this year. Yet he’s known for his aggressive playstyle, leveraging powerful serves and net approaches—an approach dubbed by some as "classic."
On the other side, Paul, sitting at tenth in the ATP rankings, displayed confidence, stating, "I always take it match by match, but I like the conditions here. I play quite well, so I will use this to my advantage." His positive mindset as he enters this edition marks the start of yet another exciting chapter of the tournament.
Adding to the drama, the tournament faced unexpected challenges, including blackouts which delayed matches by just over half an hour. Reports indicate the primary court at the Abierto was hit by power outages shortly before matches began, creating quite the stir among players and spectators alike. Sineli Santos reported, "The main court at the Abierto Mexicano de Tenis was affected by blackouts," indicating how logistics can sometimes throw even the best-laid plans awry.
Casper Ruud, who has taken up residence in Mexico for the festival of tennis, also shared his fondness for local cuisine. He humorously remarked, "You have to be careful because your food affects your performance. I would love to come to Mexico without playing to experience all the different foods. But during the tournament, I try to keep it light." Despite the need for moderation, he has enjoyed local dishes like fried potatoes and guacamole, which have quickly become favorites during his stay.
With the potential for high drama both on and off the court, the excitement is palpable. The tournament is expected to feature not just established stars but also rising talents, possibly leading to upsets and surprising matchups as players vie for the title.
Fans interested in following the action can catch all the games live through ESPN and Disney+, ensuring they stay updated on match results, schedules, and player statistics. The implication of this year’s tournament, with its strong field, marks it as one of the season's highlights, setting the stage for not just tennis greatness but also sportsmanship and local pride.
From the opening ceremony to the final matches, the 2025 Abierto Mexicano de Tenis not only offers high-level tennis but also promises to embrace the culture of Acapulco, echoing the community spirit and celebration of sportsmanship throughout its duration. The stage is set, and players ready—let the matches begin!