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‘I hope it will never be repeated’ Acapulco boss hits out over Federer Dubai deal


The Mexican Open tournament director Raul Zurutuza hopes the choice of Roger Federer to always play Dubai instead of Acapulco will not be repeated by other players. 

The 20-time Grand Slam champion has never appeared at the event in Mexico, which is played in the same week as Dubai.

Federer has won in Dubai eight times, and has only missed the tournament six times – including this year – since first appearing in 2002.

Stefanos Tsitsipas is appearing in Acapulco for the first time this year, after playing in Dubai for the past three years.

“There are many players that one as a manager would like to have, the truth is we talk a lot with their representative,” said Mexican Open tournament director Raul Zurutuza in a pre-event press conference.

“I have seen him (Stefanos Tsitsipas) happy, I received him at the airport, he is a super relaxed guy. I hope he falls in love with Mexico and stays with all due respect to Dubai.

“That story of Roger (Federer) who never came to Mexico because of the Dubai issue, I hope it will never be repeated with another player.

“It is important that each player can be in as many tournaments as possible.

“Tsitsipas arrived well, he trained and it is interesting, I think we will have good things with him.”

Zurutuza added on Rafael Nadal’s absence: “Rafa (Nadal) will undoubtedly be missed, he is a fixed asset of the tournament.

“The desire to have him is always there, but we have great names and the public will be able to enjoy it.”


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.