The Spaniard conquered Acapulco in 2008 and 2009 to enter the tournament’s book of records as one of the few two-time champions.

Mexico City, December 9th, 2022.- It took 13 years for Acapulco´s audience to see a tennis player successfully defend his crown at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presented by HSBC. Nicolás Almagro, who won his first Silver Gourd in 2008, becoming one of the few two-time champions of the event the following year.

Almagro knew what it was like to be a champion in Acapulco for the first time very far away from home. That 2008 title was the first he won in a place other than Spain and he managed to win after excelling in a main draw that had players of Carlos Moya´s stature, winner in 2002 and 2004, and Argentine David Nalbandian, whom Nicolás defeated in that year’s final.

The Spaniard’s first memory, strangely enough was not being in the competition nor the names against whom he would compete, it was the venue of the event. “My first memory of Acapulco is when I arrived there and seeing the resort it was so impressive, seeing the sea so close and thinking that in such an incredible place a tennis tournament was going to be held and that was on itself impressive,” he commented.

After becoming champion in 2008, Almagro repeated the feat the following season. Perhaps in 2009 he didn´t have as complicated journey as in the previous year, but he did have some memorable matches, such as that second round match against Potito Starace, whom he defeated 7-6, 6-7, 6-3.

Eventually, “Nico” (short for Nicolás) sealed his two-time chanpionship in Acapulco after defeating Gael Monfils in the final after a double 6-4. He then entered the tournaments history books as one of the few tennis players to defend his crown on the beaches of Guerrero and the first to do so in 13 years, the last having been Thomas Muster with his four-time championship in 1996.

Almagro is a man of traditions, so for him the most special thing about the tournament is one of the most classic celebrations of the event. “The most beautiful part of the tournament is when the all white party is celebrated, all the players come in together, that seemed something unique to me, so impressive, to be able to share the beauty of a place like Acapulco´s beaches (state of Guerrero) with all the players dressed in white and enjoying a exquisite gastronomy”, expressed the Spaniard.

After recalling Raul Zurutuza’s key support for Almagro on continuing choosing Acapulco as one of his tour destinations, Nicolás highlighted the energy of the organization and all the people involved in the tournament.

“For a tournament to be 30 years old means that things have been done well for a very long time. To maintain that energy for so many years and transmit it to players and the circuit means that the whole team behind the tournament is impressive, treating people with respect and provide us everything we need to be happy and be able to compete at a very high level,” he recalled.

Almagro participated in 9 editions of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presented by HSBC throughout his career. Recalling his visits to Acapulco, keeping a fond memory of the Mexican fans.

“For me the Mexican public was always special, they always transmitted me a lot of respect, very good vibes all the time supporting me from the first day. The stands were always lively enough for us to feel the warmth and support, they tucked us in during the difficult moments. They transmit to me that they understand tennis, that they know what they are doing, and above all a very respectful public, always supporting the player and above all that likes the show up to the matches and show their support at all times”, concluded Nicolás.

Nicolás Almagro said goodbye on a professional level in 2019 with 13 titles under his wing. In addition to the two-time championships in Acapulco, he managed to reach another final in 2011, which he lost to his compatriot David Ferrer. One thing is for sure: the player from Murcia has secured his place as one of the legends of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presented by HSBC.

• Horna won the Acapulco in 2006 coming from the qualifiers

Mexico City, December 12th, 2022.- Peruvian Luis Horna lived a dream week in Acapulco during the 2006 edition when he surprisingly and against all odds won the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presented by HSBC.

The move to Acapulco after its beginning in Mexico City brought the tournament a series of champions including Brazil’s Gustavo Kuerten (2001), Argentina’s Juan Ignacio Chela (200) and Agustin Calleri (2003) and Spain’s Carlos Moya (2002 and 2004) and a young Rafael Nadal (2005), who were joined by Horna.

And although the Peruvian, born in the city capital, Lima in 1980, arrived at the tournament with many expectations, being to enter the main draw, a goal he achieved puttingt him on his way to the title.

“For me the best memories of my career happened in Acapulco,” Horna stated to the organization.

Commenting that during the tournament “it was the first time I had passed the qualy of an ATP tournament and at the same time winning my first ATP tournament”.

“I remember the atmosphere and the affection of the fans and of Raúl Zurutuza, (tournament director) who received all the players in the best possible way and made us feel at home, that’s why the Acapulco tournament for me has always meant the best.”

In the final, Horna won 7-6, 6-4 against Argentine Juan Ignacio Chela, champion in 2000 and also who was looking for his second title in México. Almost a year after Acapulco, in February 2007, Horna won the Viña del Mar Open with a score of 7-5, 6-3 overcoming Chile’s Nicolás Massú.

Those two singles titles were the only ones he won in his career, in which he also won six doubles titles, including a Grand Slam in 2008 winning at Roland Garros teamming with Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas.

Speaking about the 30th anniversary of the tournament, Horna said that the fact that a tennis tournament can have so much continuity and remain in tiimeless “means that it´s a successful one and what the tournament (in Acapulco) has achieved through the years is to be able to bring together the best players of the circuit and generate an incredible environment for them”.

“Lucho”, as Horna was known (nickname), pointed out that Acapulco is the best destination to play tennis, stating, “I got to play in the old facilities right next to the hotel, it was fantastic since you could easily walk to practice and matches, we had the hotel nexto to the sea and it was really the perfect place to play in”, he stated.

He also recalled something that used to happen at the end of the tournament, where the players who had advanced in the competition, stating “we (the players) stayed several days to enjoy the beach, that paradisiacal place and the Mexican culture, the truth is that Acapulco has that charm and always made us feel very good”.
Horna, who became a professional in 1998, remained for 11 years in the ATP Tour, due to his injuries he retired in 2009.

• The former Czech player who reached No. 5 in the world, actually won the 6th edition of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel.

Mexico City, December 2nd, 2022.- Going back to 1998, when the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presented by HSBC was still played in the country’s capital. Even though Thomas Muster is remembered as one of the greatest stars in the first stages of the tournament after his four consecutive titles, his winning streak as we remember came to an end at the hands of Francisco Clavet and for the sixth edition it was the turn of another European to shine.

His name is Jiri Novak, a 23-year-old Czech with an impressive height of 1.91 meters (6.3 feet) and with his two-handed backhand began to reap victories in the ATP tour until he won his second title in Mexico City after defeating the Belgian Xavier Malisse 6-3, 6-3.

His first memory of the Mexican Open was playing at a very high altitude (2,240 meters above sea level), but also has other memories of the tournament when it changed the venue to Acapulco, where he also competed.

“I like the fact that for Europeans, Mexico is a bit of an exotic country. I played twice in Mexico City with a great altitude and for the third year the Mexican Open was held in Acapulco, a great place on the beach. I remember the amazing weather, a beautiful hotel and great facilities.”

Novak won seven titles in total during his 14-year professional career. He´s currently 47 years old and lives in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

From the confort of his home, he reveals, what for him has been key for the AMT to flourish for three decades.

“For the tournament to turn 30 means that it lives surrounded by a great atmosphere and has an outstanding organization, the sponsors have always supported the tournament, but more than anything it´s because of the fans. I remember that every time I went, there were many spectators who love the sport. It must mean a lot for the whole tournament,” he said.

Finally, Novak, who was a doubles finalist at Wimbledon in 2001 and the US Open 2002, sent a message to the Mexican fans who at some point showed their support.

“I wish that they stay attentive to the tournament in the future and I believe that if they are going to the matches, the tournament, it´s because of them and that´s why the tournament may linger and will continue to do so for many years to come,” stated Novak, who at one point in his career reached No. 5 in the world.

– Clavet won the title in 1997 after playing three semifinals against Austrian Thomas Muster.

Mexico City, November the 25th – Before Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer each conquered four titles at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel, and Carlos Moya and Nicolás Almagro each won two, his compatriot Francisco Clavet González, also known as “Pato” Clavet, was then held accountable of uncovering titles for Spain, winning the fifth edition of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel in 1997.

Clavet, born in Aranjuez, Madrid, in 1968, had to wait patiently while Austrian Thomas Muster won four titles in a row, between 1993 and 1996. At that time, the tournament was played at 2,240 meters above sea level in Mexico City, the venue where he finally managed to win the trophy after several attempts. Although his memories of that title are happy, his arrival in the country´s capital in those years was not very pleasant for him, reaching No. 18 in the ATP ranking in July 1992.

“The first memory I have of the tournament is actually not in Acapulco, but in Mexico City, which was where the tournament was originally organized, and I have to admit that, to tell the truth, it was not very positive,” Clavet told the tournament’s website. He explained that the altitude of the city, the ‘jetlag’ and the capital’s pollution, were factors that played against him, swearing he would not return to the tournament.

“Due to the pollution the first day we went to train, the altitude and the trip I got a huge downfall, and I vowed I would never play again. Obviously I had to eat my words,” he recalled with sympathy.

He pointed out that in his several visits to Mexico he played three semifinals in a row against Muster “and the fourth year that he did not play, after some luck and the great joy of winning the tournament”, beating Juan Albert Viloca (Spain) in the final. Then, when the tournament moved to Acapulco, Clavet said that what left a great impression on him was the hotel and sports complex where it was held.

“I already felt much more comfortable and relaxed than in any other tournament. The environment and the people made me feel happy and positive when I played,” said Clavet, who played professionally from 1988 to 2003. “It was really a tournament where I always felt very comfortable playing, very loved by the people, and in an incomparable setting. You can’t ask for more,” he said.

Regarding the 30 years history of the tournament, of which he was part of, Clavet said that they indicate “that it´s a tournament of great prestige, which enchants players and spectators, and above all that, not only have they done things very well, but they have been improving every year to at the Top of the ATP tournaments”.

To the Mexican fans, the Spaniard described them as “great tennis connoisseurs who enjoy the tournament with passion”, and also thanked them “from the bottom of my heart for the affection with which they have always welcomed me, and that they continue coming, enjoying and taking care of the tournament they have, because it´s a jewel”.

In his professional career, which lasted from 1988 to 2003, Clavet won eight singles titles and reached the semifinals of the Indian Wells Masters 1000 in 1992 and the Miami Masters in 1999. In 2003, his retirement year, he started coaching and liked to visit Acapulco and play the Abierto Mexicano Telcel alongside players such as Feliciano López, Thomaz Bellucci, Alejandro Falla and lastly Santiago Giraldo.

Acapulco has a special place in Juan Ignacio Chela’s heart.

The Argentinean won the title in two ocations and was ranked number 15 in the world in 2004.

Mexico City , Nov the 15th: For the Argentinean, the city of Acapulco means his first title as a professional and his entry into the Top-100 in 2000, memories that make the Mexican tournament have a special place in the heart of the now coach and television presenter.

In that year, the move from the altitude of Mexico City, 2,240 meters (above sea level) to sea level of the Abierto Mexicano represented a chance to play “like at home” for Latin American tennis players, including Argentineans

With clay as the main playing surface, the specialists in those conditions were the Spaniards and the Argentines, Chela among them, although at that time he was not among the favorites since he was 130th in the world, but the possibility existed and he fought for it.

“My first memory of the Mexican Open is from the year 2000 which was the first time I went to play it and I have a great memory for a lifetime, because I went to play the quali, achieved the qualification and ended up winning the tournament,” Chela told the tournament’s oficial webpage.

He recalled the points obtained for the first time and winning were he got into the Top-100.

“I finished I think in 73rd place more or less and that’s why I always have it present in my memories and very much keep in my heart, because it was my first title and then came another final and another title (in 2007) and that’s why it’s one of my favorite tournaments, no doubt,” said the Argentine almost 10 years after his retirement, which took place on December 3, 2012.

Chela, now 43 years old, was one of the constants in Acapulco and one of the main entertainers since his relationship with the fans was always great and he remembers them with sympathy due to his last name, Chela.

“They supported me a lot because my last name is Chela and in Mexico the word is slang or short for beer that way, so many were amused by that and cheered me on,” he said.

Precisely that relationship is what the Argentinean misses and he also misses playing in Mexico “I hope the fans keep going to the tournament and keep supporting tennis, which is an incredible sport, because with their support they make it more beautiful”.

About what he liked most about the tournament, the man born in Ciudad Evita, Argentina, recalled that “the matches always started late” and the players during the day “could enjoy all the facilities, the beach, the pools, everything the destination has to offer, which is always impressive and spectacular”.

Later, she recalled, “when it was time to compete, there was an atmosphere that has nothing to envy  the biggest tournaments in the world because there are always a lot of people and they love tennis and always go to support all the players, that makes you want to compete and play in Acapulco”.

Chela, who in 2004 reached his best ranking position by reaching 15th place in the world, congratulated the organizers of the Acapulco tournament.

“That a tennis tournament celebrates 30 years shows that it´s a great event and the professionalism and success it has is because of all the people who work behind it and because of how well things are done,” he said.

The Argentinean, who won 2 ATP 500 titles, 4 ATP 250, and 9 ATP Challengers in his career, said that among the Argentinean players and some on the tour “we always put Acapulco as a priority in our calendar, for the atmosphere of the tournament, for the place, the facilities, the organization and for how good you feel every time you go there, so without a doubt it´s one of the best tournaments in its category (Open 500) of the year”.

The prize pool of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel has evolved over its 30 years, increasing its value to more than $2 million USD.

Mexico City, November the 10th – Prize money is the mainstay of the ATP and WTA Tour tennis tournaments, as it can be translated into earnings for the players who, depending on which round they reach in each competition, receive some sort of payment.

Throughout its 30 years, the Abierto Mexicano Telcel has been able to boost an important economic leap thanks to its evolution in category, as well as the support of its different sponsors.

In its early stages, distributing only $300,000 USD in 1993, this year it stood out with a prize pool of $1,832,890 USD, where champion, Rafael Nadal, was awarded $314,455 USD, while tennis players in the first round received $13,090 USD.

In 1993 the tournament debuted in the Mexican capital as the first ATP in Latin America and in then World Series category, the next year it increased its financial commitment to $325,000 USD. A year later, another five thousand USD were added, an amount that was maintained until 1997, since in 1998 with the arrival of Grupo Pegaso into management, the prize pool was increased to $340 thousand USD.

Although there was no edition in 1999, the AMT achieved one of its greatest monetary leaps for the 2000 edition by distributing $800 thousand USD, since it also moved up to the International Series Gold category of the ATP Tour. In addition, a women’s exhibition tournament was held, as a test for the arrival of the WTA in 2001 along with moving the tournament to Acapulco.

In that historic edition, the prize pool  was also $800 thousand USD for the men’s tournament and $170 thousand USD for the women. These amounts were maintained until 2004.

For 2005 there was a reduction to $690 thousand USD for two years and for 2007 it increased again to $794 thousand USD. In 2009, when the Abierto Mexicano Telcel was upgraded once again to ATP 500 and added the WTA International Tournaments, the prize pool increased to $1,226,500 USD.

In 2010 and 2014 it was $1,350,500 USD and for 2015 it exceeded to $1,450,000 USD, with $1.2 million USD for the men’s tournament and $220,000 USD for the women’s tournament.

In 2016 the same amount was maintained and for 2017 it  increased to $2,015,615 USD with $1.7 million USD for the players. In 2020 the prize pool went up once again to $2,845,000 USD, of which $372,785 USD went to the champion. While the WTA, which had its last appearance in Acapulco, distributed $251,750 USD.