Just after his second victory at the qualification round at Abierto de Tenis Mifel 2021 in Los Cabos, which got him his Main Draw pass, the Colombian Nicólas Mejía raised his gaze to the sky to dedicate that to his father, who passed away in April 2017.

“I immediately thought of my dad, my coach Juan Mateus and how happy my family, my mom, my sister and my brother should be and everyone who has helped me throughout my career,” said Mejia.

For the 21-year-old, his achievement in Los Cabos turned out to be a sort of graduation in his professional career in a week that will surely be unforgettable.

The Colombian debuted in the Qualy of the ATP 250 in Los Cabos and then got his ticket to the Main Draw. The matches that he won Saturday and Sunday brought him his first qualification in his career to an ATP tournament, a goal he celebrated, but so cautiously.

“It will be my first ATP tournament in my career, also, it was the first time I played for a Main Draw qualification. Now, with two games in my pocket and a good rhythm of play, I have a lot of faith in the main draw,” he added.

In order to reach the Main Draw, the Colombian defeated the Mexican Juan Alejandro Hernandez 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, and the Belgian Ruben Bemelmans 6-3 7-6 (2).

Already as one of the 28 players in the main draw, Mejía accepted that “he is nervous” but recalled that his coach reminds him to “believe in myself a lot” as well as his psychologist Martha Cobo.

“They have insisted that I have to believe a lot in myself and I think that’s going to be the key because the reality is that at this level everyone plays the same but being calm with one’s mind is the most important part, also self-confidence, both are keys,” he said. In addition, he said that this achievement “is the beginning of something important. I made a commitment with myself and my dad up there, and I know he must be happy right now, seeing how I’m doing”.

The Mexican Gerardo Lopez did not have a great match at the Abierto de Tenis Mifel 2021, since he was eliminated in the first round by Steve Johnson, a match in which the American won 7-6 (4), 6-2 in 1 hour 41 minutes.

During the second round in the Grandstand Caliente.mx, located in Cabo Sports Complex (CBS), both players offered a disputed first set in which the two players broke each other’s serve once through a strong battle with long rallies in the background, in which the sixth seed of the tournament took advantage with his drive, while the Mexican became strong with his cross court back hand.

The initial set went to a tiebreak, in which Johnson got a mini break when Lopez left a slice in the net with 3/3 on the scoreboard, to eventually close 7-6 (4).

Although the Mexican player was playing an intense match, Steve Johnson dominated the second set more comfortably, especially making use of his great serves achieving numerous aces, he managed to break his rival twice to get 5-2, serve and close the match 6-2 with an unforced error from the Mexican.

Gerardo Lopez, who was the only Mexican player in the Main Draw that received a Wild Card from this ATP 250, said goodbye. Meanwhile, Steve Johnson sealed his move to the Second Round, where he will face the winner between Alexander Sarkissian (USA) and Yasutaka Uchiyama (JPN).

ASKED FOR TRUST IN MEXICAN TENNIS

Although Gerardo Lopez was eliminated from the Abierto de Tenis Mifel 2021, and the other Mexicans like Luis Patiño, Óscar Manuel Sanchez, Juan Hernandez and Luis Patiño did not pass the Qualy, the best Mexican racket today, Lopez, considered that what was seen in various courts, the performance was positive and very hopeful for the future.

“Since I became a professional, this is the first time I see that most Mexicans play a good role in a tournament, but we just missed winning, the level is there, one can compete. Personally, I am already achieving it in Davis Cup, now I need to do it in these tournaments, but I ask the Mexican public to have patience, we are working, we are on the right path and there is progress,” Lopez said.

The Mexican analyzed his match against Steve Johnson.

“I already knew him, but he also knows me, and he has really good serves even though I am a player who returns very well, that’s where I feel that the game changed a lot. Regarding the weather, I trained in Texas because I know that in these events, I can make a difference in my ranking and my career, it’s a shame that I missed the first set,” he said

Gerardo Lopez also informed that in the coming weeks he will play some ITF tournaments in Mexico.

MEXICANS DEFEATED IN DOUBLES CATEGORY The duo formed by Mexican Miguel Ángel Reyes-Varela and the Finnish Harri Heliovaara lost their match at the Abierto de Tenis Mifel 2021 against the Australians Matthew Ebden and John-Patrick Smith 6-3, 6-7, 10-6 in the third round, Court 2.

It has been proven that playing in Los Cabos leaves a mark on the players. As part of the fifth edition of the Abierto de Tenis Mifel, John Isner is enjoying his first experience at the event after several years in which his schedule denied him the possibility of participating in the Mexican ATP 250.

“I’m excited to be here, it’s my first year playing this tournament. In past years, my schedule and the tournament just didn’t fit, I was in a tournament in Rhode Island in the United States, which is pretty far from here, but some compatriots have told me how amazing the tournament is”, he said.

The American, number 39 in the world, hopes to have a good week in Los Cabos, as this stop marks the beginning of his summer tour in which he will resume activity on the circuit more constantly while waiting for the US Open.

“I know I can win this tournament, but I also know that it may not be that possible. I haven’t played much since the tour was canceled last year, it wasn’t because of any injury or anything, I just haven’t played much. I really enjoy this part of the year, I like playing on the hard court, I also like playing in North America and I’m here doing it again. I’m going to play a lot this summer and I hope it goes well”.

Isner’s plans always includes visiting Mexico, he is a constant participant in the Abierto Mexicano de Tenis, in Acapulco, so having that destination as a reference, he was also surprised by the great tourist site that is Los Cabos.

“The weather is very similar, it’s hot. I think the closest thing is how beautiful each place is and that’s a reflection of Mexico in general, there are so many amazing places to visit and enjoy, that’s why is such a popular place here, just like Acapulco. People are too friendly and give you a warm welcome, it’s definitely a great tournament”, he said.

In addition to the known tourist destination that is Los Cabos, the owner of 15 ATP titles highlighted the new venue of the Abierto de Tenis Mifel at Cabo Sports Complex (CSC).

“I really like the courts, I think the tournament’s new home is amazing, it’s beautiful and spectacular. I only wish I could have fans this year, but that’s not the case, with that it would be a perfect tournament, but even without an audience the tournament will be spectacular. It really is a special place”.

The American explained why he declined to participate in the Olympic Games in Tokyo, highlighting the desire to spend more time with his family.

“I already have the experience of competing previously in Olympic Games (London 2012), it was something absolutely incredible, but at this point in my career it was not on my list of priorities because right now I need to be close to my family and travel with them, like right now they’re here with me, so I’m happy to be in Los Cabos”, he concluded. John Isner will debut at the Abierto de Tenis Mifel 2021 next Wednesday against Evgeny Donskoy (RUS).

Many elite athletes understand that their talent, fame and money carry a lot of responsibility. One of them is John Isner, who is known as one of the best American tennis players of today, he’s in a position that makes him shine in the circuit of the Association of Professional Tennis Players (ATP) and, above all, in society.

The American is one of the strongest players on this fifth edition of the Abierto de Tenis Mifel, so prior to his debut in the tournament, that will be held from July 19^th to the 24^th in Los Cabos, we remember some of his many collaborations with social causes through the Isner Family Foundation, which, on several occasions, has focused mainly on sectors such as health, the environment and veterinary, among others.

The current number 34 in the world, through his foundation, provides financial support to hospitals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to ensure that many people receive treatment for cancer, a disease that his mother, Karen Isner, had. She was treated and she defeated cancer two different times at the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center in North Carolina, an institution that later on paid to the Isners.

Also, on a health-related note, Isner collaborates with the Team Luke Hope for Minds Foundation that helps children with brain problems. In May 2020, with the purpose of raising funds, he offered the possibility for all people who donated 30 dollars and shared it on their social networks, would enter a draw to play tennis with him.

Isner’s humanitarian work goes beyond the borders of his country, for example, during the Australian Open 2020 he donated 25 percent of the money he won in the tournament to support the areas affected by the forest fires that devastated the oceanic country.

Other good causes are, since Isner is a great animal lover, especially dogs, that he partnered with Nulo Pet Food, a pet food brand in which he provides shelter, food and health to canines through the campaign ‘Aces for animals’. The American has had several pets such as his dogs Magill, Boomer, Lucy and Miss B.

OWNER OF A GREAT SERVE AND A VERY SPECIAL RECORD

John Isner is considered one of the best and most powerful servers of the entire ATP tour, thanks to his great height (2.08 meters) and good technique, he usually gets aces that help him bring the games to his favor.

In addition, Isner was the protagonist of the longest tennis match in history, which happened in the first round of Wimbledon against the Frenchman Nicolas Mahut, a match that lasted 11 hours, 5 minutes and 23 seconds. That match took over three days between June 22 and 24 in 2010 since there was a couple of interruptions due to lack of natural light and bad weather, but in the end the score favored the American 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (7), 7-6 (3), 70-68. Isner will debut at the Abierto de Tenis Mifel being the owner of 15 ATP titles, highlighting his triumph on the Miami Masters 1000 in 2018, same year in which also he reached the number 8 of the world ranking in July.

After two intense days playing the Qualy of the Abierto de Tenis Mifel 2021 in Courts 1, 2 and 3 located in the Cabo Sports Complex (CSC), players Ernesto Escobedo (USA), Alexander Sarkissian (USA), Nicolás Mejía (COL) and Matthew Ebden (AUS) won the remaining four tickets to complete the Main Draw of this ATP 250 tournament in Los Cabos.

The American Escobedo fulfilled his duty as seeded number 1 in the qualifying round after defeating Ricardo Rodríguez-Pace (VEN) and Alex Rybakov (USA), meanwhile his compatriot Alexander Sarkissian defeated Raymond Sarmiento (USA) and then took advantage of the retirement in the third set by the Japanese Yosuke Watanuki when the score was 5-5.

Meanwhile, the young Colombian Nicolás Mejía, 21 years old, will play his first main draw of an ATP tournament, after defeating Juan Alejandro Hernández (MEX) and Ruben Bemelmans (BEL). In addition, the veteran Matthew Ebden also got into the main draw after defeating Finland’s Harri Heliovaara and Australia’s John-Patrick Smith.

Now that the Qualy has ended, Ernesto Escobedo will face Mackenzie McDonald (USA), Alexander Sarkissian will face Yasutaka Uchiyama (JPN), Nicolás Mejía will face Emilio Gómez (ECU) and Matthew Ebden will face Elias Ymer (SWE).

QUALY’S SECOND ROUND RESULTS

Ernesto Escobedo (USA) vs. Alex Rybakov (USA) 6-2, 7-6 (3)

Nicolás Mejía (COL) vs. Ruben Bemelmans (BEL) 6-3, 7-6 (2)

Alexander Sarkissian (USA) vs. Yosuke Watanuki (JPN) 7-5, 6-7 (4), 5-5 and Ret.

Matthew Ebden (AUS) vs. John-Patrick Smith (AUS) 6-4, 7-5

MONDAY, JULY 19^th – FIRST ROUND (SINGLES)

[WC] Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) – Denis Kudla (USA)

[7] Andreas Seppi (ITA) – Alex Bolt (AUS)

[WC] Gerardo López (MEX) – [6] Steve Johnson (USA)

Jurij Rodionov (AUT) – Sebastian Ofner (AUT)

Brandon Nakashima (USA) – J.J. Wolf (USA)

Jason Jung (TPE) – Evgeny Donskoy (RUS)

With nine players in the main draw of the Abierto de Tenis Mifel 2021, which starts on Monday, the United States rackets will be represented and ready to land on the courts of the Cabo Sports Complex (CSC), which opens its doors to action.

With the veteran John Isner (No.33), winner of 15 professional tournaments, the American team seeks to regain prominence on the world tour.

In addition to Isner, other players in the tournament are Taylor Fritz (No. 36), Sam Querrey (No. 60), Steve Johnson (No. 73), Mackenzie McDonald (No. 108), Denis Kudla (No. 114), Brandon Nakashima (No.138) and J.J. Wolf (No.142).

Querrey deserves a special mention, who, in 2017, won the ATP 500 trophy in Acapulco and the ATP 250 of Los Cabos, being the only player who has achieved both Mexican trophies.

We’ll also enjoy the match between Ernesto Escobedo and Alex Rybakov, who will compete this Sunday for one of the four tickets that the tournament grants for the Main Draw.

This multiple attendance shows the interest that the American players have in the Abierto de Tenis Mifel, whose venue is listed as one of the most important tourist destinations in Mexico.

With these nine players distributed in the Main Draw, it is highly possible that in the more advanced rounds there will be confrontations between compatriots.

It’s a draw dominated by the Americans. The British Cameron Norrie, the first pre-classified, will seek to work his way to his first title of the season after reaching three finals this year (Queen’s, Lyon and Estoril).

The British, 32 in the world and a professional player since 2017, comes from being eliminated by Swiss Roger Federer in the third round of Wimbledon.

Along with Norrie as first seeded, there will be Isner (2), Fritz (3) and Querrey (4), players that are candidates to win the famous “Huichol” Trophy, the prize of this ATP 250 category tournament held in Los Cabos.

The Croatian Ivo Karlovic, who won the tournament in 2016 and owns a Wild Card for this edition, chose the Abierto de Tenis Mifel as one of his last stops in his professional career before his retirement which is projected after the US Open 2021. Another invitation is for Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS), who will face Denis Kudla (USA) on his debut. The Australian was a finalist in the singles in 2017 and in doubles in 2018.

For the Latin American tennis, the players present are the Ecuadorian Emilio Gomez, who will face a player from the Qualy, and the Mexican Gerardo Lopez, who will play the First Round against the American Steve Johnson.

The tournament seeks its fifth champion after Karlovic (2016) and Querrey (2017), in addition to the Italian Fabio Fognini (2018) and Argentine Diego Schwartzman (2019). The 2020 edition was not celebrated due to the health emergency.

The Abierto de Tenis Mifel came to establish itself as one of the best tournaments in the ATP 250 category. Throughout the first four years, numerous of high-quality rackets chose to play in Los Cabos, however, no player has repeated the title.

Since the beginning, the tournament has already seen four different players crowned in the singles category: Ivo Karlovic (2016), Sam Querrey (2017), Fabio Fognini (2018) and Diego Schwartzman (2019).

On the eve of the 2021 event, only the Croatian Ivo Karlovic and the American Sam Querrey will try to win, for the second time, the “huichol” trophy, since neither of the other two champions will be present this year.

In addition, the four champions are of different nationalities: Croatia, United States, Italy and Argentina, that is, two European players and two from America.

In 2016, the Croatian Ivo Karlovic was the tournament’s first champion after beating Mischa Zverev (GER), Marcel Granollers (ESP), Dusan Lajovic (SRB) and Feliciano López (ESP). In that edition, the European showed his great talent with his serve, taking advantage of being the tallest player of the circuit (2.11 meters).

A year later, in 2017, Sam Querrey won the tournament in Los Cabos after beating Evan King (USA), Vincent Millot (FRA), Damir Dzumhur (BIH) and Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS). With this victory at the Abierto de Tenis Mifel, Querrey is the only player that won the tournament and the Abierto Mexicano de Tenis, in Acapulco, the same year.

In the 2018 edition, one of the strongest draws, the forecasts were right, since the final was disputed by the first two seeds of the tournament, achieving the title, the second pre-classified, Fabio Fognini. The Italian won the Los Cabos ATP 250 after defeating Quentin Halys (FRA), Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN), Cameron Norrie (GBR) and Juan Martín del Potro (ARG).

In 2019, and with great support from the Mexican public, Diego Schwartzman, who was the third seed, won the trophy by beating Ernests Gulbis (LAT), Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ), Guido Pella (ARG) and Taylor Fritz (USA).

On the other hand, this trend is also reflected in the doubles category since no pair has managed to be champion of the Abierto de Tenis Mifel on more than one occasion, taking in consideration that the titles are also distributed in different nationalities. So far, the winners are: Purav Raja (IND) / Divij Sharan (IND) in 2016; Juan Sebastián Cabal (COL) / Treat Huey (PHI) in 2017; Marcelo Arévalo (ESA) / Miguel Ángel Reyes-Varela (MEX) in 2018; Romain Arneodo (MON) / Hugo Nys (MON) in 2019

It’s time to get excited. The Main Draw of the Abierto de Tenis Mifel 2021 is ready and, this Monday, the activity will begin with high-level matches to premiere the new venue in Cabo Sports Complex (CSC).

This Saturday, the Main Draw ceremony began and was led by the tournament’s director, José Antonio Fernández, the Supervisor of the Association of Professional Tennis (ATP), Ali Nili and the ATP Tour Manager, Pablo Juárez, who started the tournament that will be held in Los Cabos from July 19th to 24th.

“It is a pleasure for us to be able to host this edition, it has been long months and years of work after suspending the 2020 edition, but we are happy and excited to debut in our new home. Three tournaments (Umag, Gstaad and the Olympic Games) are played this week, and yet the tournament is looking very good, so we are very grateful to all the people and authorities who have been able to do this,” Fernández said.

The fifth edition consists of a 28 players draw, in the singles category with the British Cameron Norrie (1) and the Americans John Isner (2), Taylor Fritz (3) and Sam Querrey (4) as the first seeds, which guarantees their debut starting in the Second Round. The remaining four seeds are the Australian Jordan Thompson (5), the American Steve Johnson (6), the Italian Andreas Seppi (7) and the American Mackenzie McDonald (8).

“This year I want to mention that 30% of the draw comes from the United States with players who are going through good times in their careers, for example, Cameron Norrie. Today we begin with the qualification in order to know the four player that will enter the main draw,” explained the executive.

The Organization Committee announced that the three Wild Cards were awarded to outstanding players on the circuit, for example the first champion of the Abierto de Tenis Mifel the Croatian Ivo Karlovic, who will debut against Jordan Thompson (AUS); the 2017 singles finalist and 2018 doubles finalist, the Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis, will play against Denis Kudla (USA), as well as Gerardo Lopez (MEX), who arrives today, as the best Mexican racket, on the eve of his debut against Steve Johnson (USA).

The draw ended with outstanding matches for the First Round, as the one between the Austrians Jurij Rodionov and Sebastian Ofner; the American duel of two young talents: Brandon Nakashima and J.J Wolf; as well as the experienced Andreas Seppi (ITA) and Alex Bolt (AUS).

In addition, the Swede Elias Ymer, the Ecuadorian Emilio Gómez, the American Mackenzie McDonald and the Japanese Yasutaka Uchiyama (JPN) will wait for their respective rivals coming from the Qualy, which will be held between Saturday and Sunday.

Meanwhile, the ATP Supervisor, Ali Nili, highlighted the impact that the Cabo Sports Complex (CBS) will have on the professional circuit from its premiere this year.

“It’s amazing, Los Cabos is one of the tour’s favorite destinations, the new facilities are amazing, so thinking about this in the future it will be surely have an excellent result. It’s a pleasure to be here,” he said.

Since the event was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, the tournament returns stronger for the premiere of its new home. The Abierto de Tenis Mifel 2021 seeks a champion.