Tennis officials are facing increasing pressure to evacuate players from Mexico as violent unrest escalates in the wake of the death of notorious cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, commonly known as 'El Mencho'. His passing, which occurred after intense clashes with military forces, has prompted a wave of violence throughout the country, impacting public security and raising alarm for the safety of athletes currently competing in tennis tournaments there.

Cervantes led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), an organization heavily involved in the trafficking of drugs into the United States. His death has ignited furious responses from cartel members, who have resorted to setting vehicles ablaze, erecting roadblocks, and engaging in violent confrontations with law enforcement. This alarming spike in violence not only poses immediate risks to the local population but also directly threatens the international sporting events taking place in Mexico this week, including tournaments sanctioned by the ATP and WTA.

The ongoing situation has prompted calls from various stakeholders, including athletes and tournament organizers, for the immediate evacuation of players and support staff to ensure their safety. As the situation develops, tennis organizations must navigate this complex crisis while ensuring the safety of competitors and considering the broader implications for sporting events in parts of the world impacted by drug-related violence.