Los Cabos, Mexico, is set to commemorate a decade of professional tennis at the Los Cabos Open, a tournament that has grown from a regional event to a fixture on the ATP Tour. The 2024 edition, scheduled for February 19–25, marks the 10th anniversary of the tournament, which first launched in 2014 as the Abierto de Los Cabos. Organizers confirmed the milestone in a statement, highlighting the event’s role in elevating Mexican tennis on the global stage.
History and Growth of the Los Cabos Open
The Los Cabos Open began as a challenger-level tournament but transitioned to ATP 500 status in 2018, attracting top-ranked players and increasing its prize money to $1.75 million by 2023. According to the ATP Tour, the event has hosted 11 Grand Slam champions over its decade, including Rafael Nadal, who won the 2017 title. The tournament’s move to the Club de Golf Costa Azul in 2019 further enhanced its profile, offering a coastal setting that blends elite competition with luxury amenities.
“Los Cabos has become a key stop for players seeking a winter season destination with high-level competition,” said ATP spokesperson Laura Montes. “The tournament’s growth reflects its ability to balance athletic excellence with the unique appeal of Baja California Sur.”
Key Figures and Milestones
The past 10 years have seen the tournament feature 28 different ATP singles champions, with Spain’s Pablo Carreño Busta and Germany’s Alexander Zverev each claiming two titles. The 2023 edition saw Japan’s Kei Nishikori win his first title since 2019, underscoring the event’s role in revitalizing careers. Prize money has risen from $600,000 in 2014 to $1.75 million in 2023, according to the tournament’s official website.
Local participation has also increased. Mexico’s Santiago González, a doubles specialist, has competed in every edition, while younger players like Félix Auger-Aliassime and Taylor Fritz have used the event to prepare for the Australian Open. The tournament’s doubles draw, held at the same venue, has become a platform for up-and-coming teams, with 12 Mexican pairs reaching the quarterfinals since 2018.
Why the Anniversary Matters
The 10th anniversary underscores Los Cabos’ significance as a hub for international sports tourism. According to the Baja California Sur tourism board, the event contributed $42 million to the local economy in 2023, supporting hotels, restaurants, and ancillary services. The tournament’s popularity has also spurred investments in sports infrastructure, including the expansion of the Club de Golf Costa Azul’s courts and spectator facilities.
“This decade has shown that tennis can thrive in unexpected locations,” said Carlos Mendoza, a sports economist at the Universidad de Guadalajara. “Los Cabos’ success challenges the notion that major tournaments must be confined to traditional hubs like Miami or Barcelona.”
What to Expect in 2024
The 2024 tournament will feature a star-studded draw, with Novak Djokovic and Iga Świątek among the confirmed entries. The event’s schedule includes a “Decade Celebration” ceremony on February 20, where past champions will be honored. Organizers also plan to host a free public clinic led by former winners, aimed at promoting tennis in underserved communities.
Weather conditions in February typically range from 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F), with low humidity, creating ideal playing conditions. The venue’s location in Los Cabos, a 90-minute drive from Los Angeles via direct flights, has made it a convenient stop for players and fans alike.
Tournament Format and Legacy
The Los Cabos Open follows a standard ATP 500 format, with 48 singles and 16 doubles entries. Its 2024 edition will be the first under new tournament director María Fernanda Cárdenas, who previously oversaw the Miami Open. Cárdenas emphasized sustainability initiatives, including a partnership with local environmental groups to reduce the event’s carbon footprint.
Over the past decade, the tournament has also become a launchpad for emerging talent. Argentine Thiago Agustín Tirante, who won the 2018 singles title, and American Taylor Fritz, a 2019 semifinalist, have both credited the event with helping them break into the top 10 rankings. The doubles draw has similarly produced upsets, with unseeded pairs like the Mexican duo of Santiago González and Ivan Dodig reaching the 2021 final.
Looking Ahead
The 2024 edition will serve as a test for players ahead of the 2024 Australian Open, with 12 of the top 20 singles players expected to compete. The tournament’s organizers have also announced plans to expand the youth development program, including a partnership with the Mexican Tennis Federation to identify and train junior athletes.
