Mexico has a strong mix of professional tennis, from a high-profile ATP event on the Pacific coast to WTA tournaments in Mérida, Monterrey and Guadalajara. There are also ATP Challenger events where fans can watch rising players compete for ranking points and a place on the main tour.
The main tournaments are spread across the year, so the best one to visit depends on whether you want a big-name hard-court draw, a smaller and more intimate event, or a clay-court match in a high-altitude city. Dates and tournament categories can change, so check the event’s official schedule before booking travel.
Major tennis tournaments in Mexico
Mexico’s headline events are mostly played on outdoor hard courts. They bring top-ranked players to the country, while Challenger tournaments offer a closer look at the next wave of pros. Here’s a quick guide to the main events.
| Tournament | Tour and level | Usual time of year | Surface | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abierto Mexicano Telcel | ATP 500 | February | Outdoor hard | Acapulco |
| Mérida Open Akron | WTA 500 | Late winter or early spring | Outdoor hard | Mérida |
| Monterrey Open | WTA event | Dates vary by season | Outdoor hard | Monterrey |
| Guadalajara Open | WTA event | Usually in the second half of the season | Outdoor hard | Guadalajara |
| Mexico City Open | ATP Challenger | Usually spring | Clay | Mexico City |
| San Luis Potosí Challenger | ATP Challenger | Usually spring | Clay | San Luis Potosí |
ATP tennis tournaments in Mexico
Abierto Mexicano Telcel in Acapulco
Acapulco’s Abierto Mexicano Telcel is the country’s best-known men’s tournament and an ATP 500 event. It is held on outdoor hard courts at Arena GNP Seguros, generally in February. The timing puts it in a busy stretch of the men’s calendar, and the draw often includes established tour players as well as younger contenders.
For spectators, evening sessions are a popular choice. They let you avoid the strongest daytime heat and bring a lively atmosphere to the stadium. Conditions near the coast can be hot and humid, which matters on court: players need to manage their energy, serve well, and stay patient in longer rallies. A powerful first serve can earn quick points, but movement and fitness become important as matches wear on.
Acapulco is a good pick if you want a large international event alongside a beach trip. Reserve accommodation early for tournament week, and allow extra time for transport to and from the venue, especially on match nights.
ATP Challenger events
The ATP Challenger Tour is a step below the main ATP tour, but the tennis can be compelling. Players use these events to build ranking points, return from injury or make the jump toward bigger tournaments. Mexico City Open and the San Luis Potosí Challenger are notable stops on the country’s clay-court calendar; their exact dates and levels may vary by year.
These events can be especially rewarding for fans who like to follow developing players. The venues are often smaller than those at an ATP 500, so you may be able to watch from close to the court. Expect longer rallies on clay, with players using topspin, height and changes of direction to create openings.
WTA tournaments in Mexico
Mérida Open Akron
The Mérida Open Akron is a prominent women’s tournament played on hard courts. It has held WTA 500 status in recent seasons, making it a high-level stop with ranking points that can attract leading players. The event is generally scheduled around late winter or early spring, though the calendar should be checked for the year you plan to attend.
Mérida’s warm conditions can test a player’s stamina, particularly in daytime matches. Watch how players manage depth and pace: a deep return can keep an opponent from attacking, while a short ball may be punished quickly on a hard court. The city is also a useful base for visitors interested in Yucatán’s food, history and nearby archaeological sites.
Monterrey Open
Monterrey’s women’s tournament has a long history and has featured many well-known WTA players. Its place on the calendar and event category have shifted over time, so check the current edition’s listing rather than relying on an older schedule. Matches are played on hard courts, where aggressive serving and quick movement often shape the rallies.
The city’s large metropolitan setting makes it easy to pair tennis with restaurants and other attractions. If you want to see a particular player, buy tickets for the day they are scheduled rather than assuming they will play on a certain evening. Draws and match times can change due to weather, results or broadcast plans.
Guadalajara Open
The Guadalajara Open is another major women’s event in Mexico. It has been staged as a WTA 500 tournament in recent seasons, although tournament status and dates can change. The hard-court setting rewards players who can take the ball early and use the width of the court to open space.
Guadalajara sits at significant elevation. The thinner air can make the ball travel faster than it would at sea level, so timing and control matter. Players who keep their groundstrokes deep without overhitting often have an advantage. For fans, this can make rallies feel lively and serve returns especially important.
What to know before attending
- Check the current calendar: Tournament dates, categories, venues and session times can change from one season to the next.
- Buy for the right session: A day ticket may include several matches, while a night session can focus on marquee singles. Confirm what your ticket covers.
- Plan for the weather: Bring sun protection for daytime matches and water if venue rules allow it. Coastal humidity and high-altitude conditions can both make a long session feel demanding.
- Look beyond the top seed: Early-round matches often offer the best chance to see several players up close. They can also produce surprise results before the tournament favorites settle in.
- Allow travel time: Check the route from your hotel to the venue and plan for traffic, particularly around evening sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest tennis tournament in Mexico?
The Abierto Mexicano Telcel in Acapulco is Mexico’s best-known men’s event and an ATP 500 tournament. The country also hosts major WTA events, including tournaments in Mérida, Monterrey and Guadalajara.
When is tennis season in Mexico?
Professional tournaments take place at different times of year. Acapulco is usually held in February, while other WTA and Challenger events are spread across the calendar. Check the specific tournament’s official dates for the season you want to attend.
Are Mexico’s tennis tournaments played on clay or hard courts?
The major events in Acapulco, Mérida, Monterrey and Guadalajara are played on outdoor hard courts. Challenger tournaments such as those in Mexico City and San Luis Potosí are known for clay-court tennis.
Can I watch rising players at tournaments in Mexico?
Yes. ATP Challenger events are a strong option for seeing players building their rankings and working toward the main tour. Smaller venues can also make it easier to follow the action from close to the court.
Final Thoughts
Tennis tournaments in Mexico offer more than one kind of trip. Acapulco is the standout choice for an ATP 500 atmosphere, while Mérida, Monterrey and Guadalajara bring high-level women’s tennis to different parts of the country. For close-up matches and emerging talent, look at the Challenger events in Mexico City and San Luis Potosí. Check the current calendar before making plans, then choose the setting and court style that suit you best.
