Prior to the start of this year’s China Open Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff took time to explore the Chinese capital and made a visit to the Forbidden City dressed in traditional clothing.
Not only did the young superstars enjoy their first visit to the Forbidden City, they both came away with their first China Open title. Alcaraz defeated rival and World No. 1 Jannik Sinner on Wednesday in the longest men’s singles match (3:21) in China Open history and on Sunday, Gauff followed Alcaraz with her title performance by defeating Karolina Muchova in straight sets.
When asked in Sunday’s trophy ceremony by tournament emcee Dong Wang about the visit and told “perhaps it was meant to be that way,” Gauff said, “Carlos and I both went to the Forbidden City earlier this week and some one in press told me that it was going to bring me luck. And I said I don’t know, I don’t want to jinx it. Then Carlos won but at that time it was only the round of 16 for me. Yeah, I guess the Imperial Palace brought us luck and maybe I will pay a visit again next year and get the same luck.”
Alcaraz said in his pre-tournament press conference, “It was a great experience being there. I couldn’t go around much last year. For me, it’s great to see the culture here in China, see different things. Being there [in the Forbidden City] was a great experience for me. I’m really happy to be back here again in Beijing.”
Photo credit: China Open
