"It’s an abuse of power and unacceptable to have to go through this," the ordeal of Thiago Tirante at Cancún Airport

© AFP

Arthur Millot

le 09/08/2025 à 17h32

1 min to read

Cancun Cincinnati

After making it through the qualifiers in Cincinnati, Thiago Tirante lost in the first round of the main draw to Italy’s Nardi (6-4, 7-6). Following this defeat, the Argentine headed straight to Cancún to compete in the Challenger 125 scheduled for August 11–17, 2025. While the trip went smoothly, an unfortunate incident occurred for the world No. 125 upon landing at the airport.

"Today, I want to share an unfair and abusive situation I experienced upon arriving in Cancún. When I arrived with my luggage, I was pulled aside for an inspection. Upon opening my bags, they found strings for my racket (my work tools). I explained to them that these were part of my professional equipment. However, they told me they 'did not consider them personal belongings.'

I was told I had to pay a 19% 'tax' on the value of the strings. When I asked to see the law or document stating this, they replied that if I didn’t pay, they would keep my passport. Faced with this threat and without any legal explanation, I had no choice but to pay. It’s an abuse of power and unacceptable to have to go through this."

On the sporting side, the 24-year-old player’s best results this year include a title at the Córdoba Challenger (Argentina) and a runner-up finish in Trieste (Italy).