ATP Tour

Remembering Alejandro Burillo, leading figure in Mexican tennis

Alejandro Burillo, the business visionary who helped establish Mexico as a key destination in professional tennis with his leadership and passion, passed away at the age of 74.

Born in 1951, Burillo became one of the most influential figures in the development of professional tennis in Mexico. In 1992, he founded Mextenis, an organisation that would go on to play a central role in bringing world-class tennis to the region. Just one year later, his ambition was realised when Mexico City debuted on the ATP Tour in 1993, marking the beginning of a lasting legacy that would reshape the sport’s presence in Latin America.

Through Burillo’s stewardship, what is now the Acapulco tournament grew into one of the most prestigious and vibrant stops on the circuit. Initially staged on clay for 20 years before transitioning to hard courts, the event evolved with the modern game while maintaining its unique identity. Set against the Pacific coastline, it became renowned not only for its atmosphere but also for consistently attracting many of the sport’s biggest stars, such as four-time champion and former No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings, Rafael Nadal.

"We are very sad with the news of Alejandro Burillo passing away," said Santiago Gonzalez, the Mexican doubles star who has reached two finals in Acapulco. "He was a great guy, a great sports guy. First in soccer, then in tennis. He introduced Acapulco and made it one of the best tournaments in the world. We will miss him and I wish his family all the best."

Feliciano Lopez, the Mutua Madrid Open tournament director, played in Mexican ATP Tour events 12 times in his career. The Spaniard said: “I was very saddened to hear about Alejandro Burillo’s passing. He was a true visionary for tennis in Mexico and someone who played a hugely important role in the growth of our sport in the region. I will always remember his passion, his generosity and his commitment to making Acapulco a special place for players and fans alike. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

A distinguished businessman, Burillo was the founder of Grupo Pegaso and a highly respected figure in Mexico’s corporate landscape. His career spanned telecommunications, media and sport, and he was known for identifying opportunities to invest in projects with long-term cultural and economic impact. He also held leadership roles in football administration in Mexico, further underlining his broad influence across the sporting world.

Despite his success in business, Burillo remained closely connected to tennis and its growth. He was instrumental in building relationships with players, governing bodies and sponsors, helping to elevate the standard and profile of events in Mexico. His efforts contributed to increased visibility for the sport in the region and inspired greater participation at the grassroots level.

Those who worked alongside him remember Burillo as a determined and forward-thinking leader who believed deeply in Mexico’s ability to host world-class sporting events. His commitment to excellence and his willingness to innovate helped set new benchmarks for ATP Tour events in the region.

Burillo’s legacy lives on through the tournaments he built, the opportunities he created and the lasting impact he made on tennis in Mexico and beyond. There are now two ATP Tour events in Mexico: The ATP 500 in Acapulco and the ATP 250 in Los Cabos.