Acapulco Deploys Massive Security Force for Mexican Open

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Acapulco Deploys Massive Security Force for Mexican Open

By Chris Oddo

(February 20, 2013) -- In an attempt to quell concerns about security in the violence-plagued city of Acapulco, tournament officials and tennis’s governing bodies have arranged for a 4000-person security force that will feature army, navy, state and federal police, a senior Guerrero state official told AFP.

Security in the region has always been an issue, but it hadn’t impacted tourists until six Spanish women were sexually assaulted at their rented villa in early February. One single Mexican woman at the villa was spared due to her nationality, and with several Spanish players headlining the Abierto Mexicano Telcel Draw next week, the tournament’s organizers aren’t taking any chances.

The reputation of the coastal resort town known for drug-war-related beheadings and taxi-driver slayings has long been a hot button issue, but with added exposure due to Rafael Nadal’s first appearance at the event since 2005 there is an added sense of urgency to take every precaution.

According to the AFP report, the security force will secure access to the 7,500 capacity Mextenis Stadium as well as the surrounding Acapulco Princess Fairmont resort. Vehicles will be checked upon entering.

The 4000-person security force is rumored to be three times larger than the current Acapulco police force.

The event, which will celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, runs from February 25 to March 2nd.

(Photo Credit: Mexican Open)