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GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Guadalajara is internationally recognized as the birthplace of tequila and mariachi music, but for the tennis players participating in the WTA 500 tournament, the city offers a unique experience. Here, they have the opportunity to soar through the air before their matches by taking a helicopter ride to the tournament venue.
In an effort to avoid traffic congestion around the Centro Panamericano de Tenis (Pan American Tennis Center) located in Zapopan, a suburb of Guadalajara, the tournament organizers provide helicopter flights from the players’ hotel to the venue. Players can also book helicopter rides from the airport to their hotel.
“We wanted to do something special for the players,” said tournament director Gustavo Santoscoy. “The players love the experience.” While car transport is also an option, according to WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) communications director Alex Prior, this arrangement offers a unique service: “Some tournaments provide sightseeing tours for the players via helicopter, but this is certainly not a common transport method for getting from the hotel to the venue. In that sense, it is the only WTA event that offers this service.”
In addition to the fantastic opportunity to see one of the country’s three largest cities from the air, players benefit from quicker transport to the venue, whether for practice or matches. The distance between the hotel and the tournament site is nearly seven miles (11 kilometers), and depending on traffic conditions, the drive can take between 30 and 40 minutes, whereas the helicopter ride takes just four minutes, according to pilot Martin Guevara.
“To me, they are just like all other passengers. I treat everyone the same, but I can say that they seem to enjoy the rides,” Guevara said. “Some of them are very friendly and nice.” The number of daily flights varies, but Guevara mentioned that he typically operates about 10 flights each day, transporting approximately 40 players.
The WTA 500 tournament in Guadalajara started on Monday and will conclude on Sunday. French player Caroline Garcia noted, “It has been a fantastic experience. I did it two years ago, and I am happy to be back. It is a well-organized tournament.”
Since 2022, no major incidents have been reported involving players during the helicopter flights to the tournament, but Donna Vekic, who won a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, had a scare: “It was amazing, except that the door opened mid-flight,” Vekic recalled in 2022. “It was actually my fault because it was so hot, so I opened the door a little to get some air. I guess I didn’t close it properly.”
Aviacopter, the company providing the service, states that players receive instructions on what to do and not do on board. The company’s staff typically ensures the players’ seatbelts and doors are secured to prevent situations like the one Vekic experienced. “We have a wonderful city with great hotels, restaurants, excellent food, and players can even take small trips around, some to Tequila,” Santoscoy said regarding the helicopter transport. “We strive to make them feel welcome so they will come back every year.”
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