Acapulco, Gro., February 25th.- Gerardo López Villaseñor left behind his fears to debut at Abierto Mexicano Telcel, presented by HSBC. He entered the main draw with a wild card and faced his match against Steve Johnson at Caliente Grand Stand.

A set down, with his service and 5-6 in the second set, Lopez was 15-40, but he managed to save a break point, but couldn’t do the same with the second one and Johnson won the match with a double 7-5, after one hour fifty minutes. However, we must recognize the difference in the rankings being Johnson no. 36 and Lopez no. 552, this wasn’t obvious, Lopez gave a great tennis match.

“It’s the first time I play here, I gave it all, although it couldn’t do anything else. I lack experience, I need to participate in more events of this level, and over time if I continue like this, I can have better results”, said the native of Puerto Vallarta.

Gerardo keep a close fight with Johnson, who had some problems with his first serve (46 percent effective), but he won 72 percent of the points when he connected his service.

But the Mexican was not willing to give victory so easily; he adjusted his drive and made it almost impossible for the American to return it. He entered the court with great confidence, but later admitted that he was very nervous. “The mind is playing for you, you have to believe and when you are in the court everything can happen. In the end the nerves won a bit in the last game of each set “, admitted Lopez.
Gerardo also talked about what he thinks he is missing to have better results in tournaments like Abierto Mexicano Telcel presented by HSBC. “I believe this generation of Mexican tennis players is missing something, I hope to find what it is, focus on giving everything and start believing in what I am capable”.

Acapulco, Gro.- As a part of the recreational activities of the XXVI AMT edition, Sloane Stephens and Alexander Zverev enjoyed the view of puerto Marques from the Xtasea platform, the longest over the sea zipline.

Sascha, no. 3 in the ATP ranking, and Stephens, no. 4 in the WTA ranking, tested their courage by being suspended 23 mts in the air and flying thru 1,810 mts across the bay.

Raul Zurutuza and both players symbolically launched the event. Raul thanked the public administration of Acapulco and the state the support they have always give the organization to keep the tournament as the best one in Latin America.

Among the personalities and officials who gathered for this event, were Ernesto Rodríguez Escalona, state secretary of tourism, Undersecretary Noé Peralta Herrera and Seyed Rezvani, general director of Mundo Imperial.

“We had a great start, two days of a very intense qualification round; for Mexican tennis it was a very good weekend, with several victories of the girls, and we are ready to start the day today with the main draw of the 26th edition “, Raúl Zurutuza said.

To close the activity Zverev and Stephens played in a mini court in front of one of the best views of Acapulco in the restaurant Peninsula

“I am very happy to be here, it was really windy, but it was super exciting, and I am ready to start playing the tournament”, said Sloane (2016 champion).

“It has been amazing since I got here last wednesday, I am happy with how I was welcomed, the weather, I hope to be here until the end of the tournament” stated Sascha Zverev.

The young German player will face, on the first round, the also young Australian player Alexei Popyrin (no. 124 in the ATP, who got a ticket to the main draw on the qualifying round.

On the women side, Stephens will first face Pauline Parmentier, currently no. 53 of the WTA ranking.

Acapulco, Gro., February 24th .- Victoria Rodríguez and Guiliana Olmos, made the Mexican fans believe, for a moment, that two or even three locals where getting the tickets to the main draw to be alongside Renata Zarazúa , but they were finally eliminated from the qualifying round, losing in two exciting and dramatic matches.

Giuliana Olmos fell in three sets against Beatriz Haddad Maia, who obtained the ticket for the main draw in Acapulco.

Olmos, number 368 of the WTA, had a weak start and with many unforced errors she let the first set pass, however, during the second set she leveled up and took advantage of her rivals apparent injury, she came back to life and with the fans support she took the second set.

After winning the second set and taking a 2-0 advantage in the third, everything seemed in favor for the Mexican, but Giuiliana could not maintain the pace, which allowed a comeback of the Brazilian player who won five games in a row. With spectacular shots, Beatriz Haddad, took the last set with a final score of 6-3, 3-6 and 6-3, in a 2 hours and 41 minutes match.

Later, Victoria Rodríguez, had a tough match against Corry Perrin, who defeated her in three sets in a match full of drama. The Mexican won the first set, but at the end of the second set, she suffered a strong injury in the left leg that slowed her down; visibly diminished physically, but with a big heart, she had a match point in favor in the tiebreak, but she could not close the match and lost that second set, after which she requested time to go to the bathroom, with many difficulties to walk.

After several minutes of waiting, Victoria returned to continue the fight for the ticket to the main draw, however, her discomforts did not allow her to play as usual, so she was defeated with final score 4-6, 7-6 (8) and 6-2.

The third Mexican who had activity on the last day of the qualification was Ana Sofía Sánchez, who had no choice against the 2014 finalist, Christina McHale from the United States, which in two sets ended the dreams of the Mexican player , which she defeated with a final score of 6-3 and 7-6 (3).

Other players who secured their place in the main draw of the AMT, are the Romanian Irina Bara, who won in three sets to the Czech Tereza Martincova, in a tough game that was defined in tiebreak of the third set ( 3-6 , 6-2 and 7-6 (5)). Varvara Flink, also advanced coming from behind to defeat her compatriot Sofya Zhuk, by 4-6, 7-5 and 6-2.

In the men’s category the Spaniards, Marcel Granollers defeated to Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, with final score 6-4, 3-6 and 6-1. The Italian Federico Gaio needed three sets to secure his ticket against Emilio Gomez, 6-1, 4-6 and 7-6 (6).

The American Ryan Harrison showed his quality and experience in the AMT, to defeat without major issues Adrián Menéndez-Maceiras, in two sets by 6-2 and 6-4. Finally, the Australian Alexei Popyrin, obtained his spot without playing due to the withdraw of Bernard Tomic.

In men’s doubles, the Germans Peter Gojowczyk and Kevin Krawietz, got the only available ticket after defeating the couple of the Mexican Hans Hach Verdugo and the Croatian Ante Pavic, who lost in two (7-5 and 6-4).

Acapulco, Gro., February 24th .- It was a great day for the little fans at Kids Day.

The kids had the opportunity to top play with some ATP and WTA players and meet the Paw Patrols, and for the parents the DJ’s Natalia and Esther with a music number, also Luis Fonsi pleased the public singing a verse of Despacito.

Fonsi, who was the afternoon surprise, grabbed a racket and along side Monica Puig played against Stan Wawrinka and the DJs. A few moments earlier Natalia played the violin while Esther mixed it for an original music number.

Although the winners were the Puerto Ricans, everybody had fun while trying to give a great show. The public showed Ferrer the love they have for him, with a standing ovation when he entered the stadium.

The Spaniard paired up with Johana Konta top lay a mini tennis match against Feliciano and Danielle Collins.

Feli and Danielle won the encounter, but the true winners were the assistants to the event.

Some other invited to the event were Nick Kyrgios, Sam Querrey, Steve Johson, Alex de Miñaur, Dona Vekic, Renata Zarazúa and Emilio Nava, who paired up with some of the kids invited.

Other stars among the more than 180 kids from DIF Acapulco were Alexander Zverev, Victoria Azarenka y Diego Schwartzman, they demonstrate their good shape by running around the in a Tennis carrousel.

When they left the stadium, everyone gave autographs among the attendants, who with huge tennis balls in their hands shouted to their idols. Nick Kyrgios was one of the most recognized and pleased all the children who requested his autograph or selfies.

But the organization prepared one more surprise to close the event; the stadium exploded with applauses when they saw the great favorite, Rafael Nadal enter the stadium.

Rafa exchanged some words with Fonsi and gave autographs, before going to prepare to return to the stadium, but now to train, leaving the atmosphere in effervescence.

Acapulco, Gro., February 24th .- If Frances Tiafoe could change anything in the world, he would end the confrontation between countries and he will seek world peace. He defines himself as a humble and nice guy. He is a diamond for his father, who worked in the mines of Sierra Leona.

Tiafoe walks thru the facilities of the hotel and tournament looking relaxed. He takes pictures with the fans. He walks smiling to everyone and hugs the people he knows. Definitely he has a great charisma. He likes the tournament because, “you have everything within reach and the fans are great”.

He enjoys the contact with the fans, he always gives show and loud celebrations. Among his fans there is always his family.

This American jewel, number 29 in the world ranking, knows that the best is yet to come. This year his goal is to be at the Top 15 of the world ranking. He will debut in Abierto Mexicano Telcel presented by HSBC against the Australin Jordan Thompson (number 68 in the ranking).

He admits he hasn’t reached his full potential yet, “I´ve never thought to get where I am now, for me it is really special to be able to help my family” he admits.

He considers that the begging of the tournament will be tough, although he hopes to play great tennis, especially after his great performance at the Australian Open, where he reached the quarterfinals, in which he lost to Rafael Nadal.

“I had some incredible weeks and today I feel very happy to play in a big event again, face great opponents, because that raises my level; I think now they’re going to try to play better against me”, admits the winner of Delray Beach in 2018.

His biggest dream, like that of almost every tennis player, is to win a Grand Slam tournament and specially winning the US Open for me would be incredible for him.

Nothing simple to achieve, due to this generation quality of players. “It’s hard to maintain the level, but when you see your opponents you know that you must work day by day to achieve it. But today I know I can fight against great players and beat them”, he says.

His peculiar way celebration on the court is part of his personality, “I’m definitely very noisy, a simple guy who likes the crowds to support him on the court.”

This week he wants to show the Mexican fans that he can be among the best, that he has the qualities to achieve it and put American tennis back at the top.

With great success and enthusiasm, the first edition of the “10K Tennis Run” had place this morning. With 2000 runners, they gathered in the facilities of Princess Mundo Imperial since the early hours of the morning.

The event is part of the celebration of the XXVI edition, with the option to run 10 and 5 kilometers in a free category from 15 to 99 years, in both men and women. There was also the family walk of 3 kilometers and the children categories.

At 6:55, those present sang the Mexican National Anthem, and at 7:00 am, Noé Peralta, undersecretary of tourism, on behalf of Governor Héctor Astudillo Flores, oversaw the countdown to start the race.

The participants were divided into categories, at 7:05 hrs the 5-kilometer runners started and at 7:30 am the 3-kilometer recreational walk began, while the children had their competitions at 9:00 am, once the award ceremony was held, Feliciano Lopez was the main in charge to deliver the trophies and congratulate the effort of the winners of the different categories.

Through the famous Zona Diamante and taking advantage of the pleasant atmosphere among the participants, despite the high degree of humidity, the winner of the race in the 10 kilometers, was the local runner, Omar de la Cruz Vázquez with the number 479, who covered the distance in 33 minutes and 45 seconds.

In second place Fredy Alejandro Chávez Orozco, crossed the finish line in 34.13 minutes, leaving the third position for the French Gilles Gautier Clermont, who ended in 39:48 minutes.

In the women’s section, the absolute winner was Andrea Ramírez Limón, number 340, who entered the finish line 37:08 minutes after she started, almost 7 and a half minutes later Carmen Azucena Villalobos, obtained the second place, while the third place went to María Fernanda Montalvo, who reached the finish line at 45:01 minutes.

In the 5 kilometers, the winner was Eder Zaulica Magaña, number 1361, with a time of 19:44 minutes. The podium was completed by José Luis Ayala Bueno with 19:48 and Héctor Juárez Amador, with 20:01, respectively.

In women 5 kilometers, Mariana Castañeiras Guitiérrez crossed the finish line at 23:27 minutes, followed by Monik Skwierzynska with 27:54 and María Fernanda García, with 28:31.

This way, the “10K Tennis Run” race, fulfilled one of its objectives, which is to encourage the practice of sports, so it is expected, this is the beginning of a tradition, for all the runner community.

Acapulco, Gro., February 23rd. – Mexican tennis players had a great day at the beginning of the qualification round of Abierto de Tenis Telcel presented by HSBC, with a record of 3 victories over one loss.

The first day at Caliente Grand Stand had the best kick off with Giulian´s triumph over the first seed of the tournament, Irina Khromacheva in partials of 6-1 and 7- 5 for the pass to the next round.

With a good percentage of first services, the Mexican number 368 of the WTA ranking, surprisingly defeated the Russian who is number 120 in the ranking.

In the next match for a ticket to main draw, Olmos will face the Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia, who in turn, faced the Australian Kimberly Birrell winning by a double 6-1.

Another triumph for the mexicans was Victoria Rodríguez, who woke up after losing the first set, to end up defeating Danielle Lao, 4-6, 6-3 and 6-4. Her next rival will be the Swiss Conny Perrin, fourth seed, which eliminated the Mexican María Portillo, by a double 6-1. The winner will also be in the main draw of the AMT.

The third Aztec victory was Ana Sofía Sánchez, who defeated, in two (6-3, 7-(5)), Kathinka von Deichmann. Her rival for the ticket to the main, will be Christina McHale, third seed and runner-up of AMT2014, who defeated Katie Swan, in two 6-0, 6-3.

In the men’s singles, the Mexican weren’t so lucky, after three defeats. Lucas Gómez lost against Bernard Tomic in three sets ( 1-6, 7-5, 6-0).

Meanwhile, Juan Alejandro Hernández, fell against the third seed, Ryan Harrison of the United States, who won by 7-5 and 6-2. Harrison will look for this Sunday to secure his pass against spaniard Adrián Menéndez-Maceiras, who gave no chance of victory to Mexican Luis Patiño, who said goodbye with a score of 2-6 and 3-6.

It was a good day for the spaniards, in addition to Menéndez-Maceiras, there are still in qualies, Guillermo García-López, who defeated Roberto Cid, and Marcel Granollers, who eliminated Kevin Krawietz. The only spainard eliminated was Roberto Ortega-Olmedo, who could not continue the match against the Russian Alexei Popyrin, and at the end of the first set (6-2), he decided to retire due to injury.

In the men doubles, Hans Hach Verdugo with the Croatian Ante Pavić, defeated Sergio Galdós and Federico Zeballo, in two sets 6-3, 6-4. While the Germans Peter Gojowczyk and Kevin Krawietz, defeated the Dominican Víctor Estrella Burgos and the Italian Federico Gaio, by partials of 6-4 and 6-3.

Acapulco, Gro., February 23rd.-  The XXVI edition of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presented by HSBC will be David Ferrer’s goodbye to tournaments outside Spain before his retirement from the courts in the ATP 500 of Barcelona and Master 1000 Mutua Open.

“The Magic Box” will have the honor to see for the last time and keep forever in their courts, the sweat of one of the most dedicated Spanish players in history.

After his last performance in a Grand Slam, with retirement due to injury at the US Open, against Rafael Nadal in August 2018, this year David Ferrer started a farewell tour for his fans in his most loved and with special meaning ATP tournaments.

“The AMT has that every year has been improving, the location is splendid, people love tennis, there is a large number of assistants, that makes us tennis players feel highly valued and I have experienced incredible emotions in Acapulco “.

Prior to this trip, in October, Ferrer had the pleasure to say goodbye to the ATP Tour Challenger in Mexico, with the victory of the tournament in Monterrey, where he defeated Ivo Karlovic in the final.

The farewell tour of the Spaniard began this year at the ATP 250 Auckland, New Zealand, where an injury on the right calf forced him to retire from the match, he was playing with his compatriot Pablo Carreño Busta, after his first win of the season against Dutchman Robin Hasse. In Auckland, Ferrer took the title in 20017, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

From Oceania, Ferrer traveled to South America to say goodbye to his followers at the Buenos Aires ATP 250, where in the first round he beat Malek Jaziri from Tunisia. In the second round, he was eliminated by, Albert Ramos-Viñolas. In the Argentine capital, Ferrer lifted the trophy three times in a row from 2012 to 2014.

In both tournaments, David Ferrer received emotional tributes from the organizers, where great personalities, workers and volunteers, surrendered to the human quality of the brilliant tennis player.

One of the tournaments of “King” David’s career, will be Acapulco, where he crowned four times, 2010 ,2011, 2012 and 2015  equaling the maximum winner until then – Thomas Muster – but becoming the only player so far in the tournament to win the two surfaces it has been played.

“Regardless of the result, this farewell will be beautiful and emotional, I do not think about it, I think of enjoying every moment, every game I’m going to play because it’s going to be the last, but I’ve already won something that is the most valuable  for me, the affection of the public, of my companions and of the tournament “.

Ferrer arrived to Acapulco for the first time with 36 years and 145 of the world. In his best days he lived the time of the so-called Big Four. “Form Roger Federer I would choose his serve; from Rafa his mental strength; from Murray I would choose the rest and from Djokovic the speed … of David Ferrer, I would choose his constancy “.

Biggest rivalry? Roger Federer.

Favorite tournament? Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell.

Most enjoyed match? “The 2011 Davis Cup final against Juan Martín Del Potro in Sevilla”.

The hardest player you had to face? “Sin duda Roger Federer, porque nunca le conseguí ganar”.

How would you like to be remembered? “Like someone loved, humble, with values and someone who respects the sport”.

After May, we Will not see more of you on the courts. What is the future holding? “Long term I would like to be with my family, but next year, I’ll have other projects close to tennis of course. I want to be the owner of my time”.

Acapulco, Gro., February 23rd .- Rafael Nadal will have his debut at Abierto Mexicano de Tenis Telcel presented by HSBC, against the german Mischa Zverev, like it happened in 2017, Mischa has a 2- 0 record.

Nadal, the greatest favorite, after last year’s withdrawal is looking forward to his first match. The Spaniard is seeking his third title after 2005 and 2013.

Alexander Zverev, second seeded, will face a player from the qualy, as well as Stan Wawrinka, who is back in Acapulco after six years. In 2013 he fell in the first round but a year earlier he got to semifinals.

The Mexican Gerardo López Villaseñor (WC) will face in the first round the American Steve Johnson, and Emilio Nava, Mackenzie McDonald. It is the first tournament in the professional circuit for Nava, who takes it as a great challenge “I feel a little nervous, I know Mackenzie and I know he is a tough opponent,” said Nava.

The Spaniard David Ferrer, will say goodbye to the Mexican fans, will face Tennys Sandgren. Ferrer, the tournament’s four-time champion, will bid farewell this year to tennis, and Acapulco was one of the events he chose to close his brilliant career.

Other face offs in first round, will be; Nick Kyrgios vs. Andreas Seppi, Sam Querrey (2017 champion) vs. Taylor Fritz and Diego Schwartzman vs. Marius Copil.

In the ladies category, the first seeded Sloane Stephens, will face Pauline Parmentier. The second favorite, Danielle Collins will debut against Victoria Azarenka.

The Mexican Renata Zarazúa (WC) will meet the chinese Saisai Zheng, and Monica Puig, will face Maria Sakkari.

Zarazúa, whom in the last edition surprised pleasantly defeating Kristýna Plíšková, is willing to give her best. “I have nothing to lose, I am well prepared, I didn’t play much last year but now I’m better, I know I’m not the favorite because there are many players with a better level, but I feel very proud to represent Mexico, I train to be the best in the country, “said the 21-year-old.