When sports and culture intersect, magic happens! After enduring initial round exits from the 2024 US Open (where both have secured a title in the past), Coco Gauff and Carlos Alcaraz are now in the China Open. Nevertheless, their off-court fun has already caught fans’ attention as they embraced and paid tribute to China’s rich heritage in their unique ways! The tennis community adored the duo’s cultural exchange in Beijing, and now the retired tennis player Prakash Amritraj has also expressed his admiration!

Two days ago, ATP and WTA Tour’s official Instagram pages posted a video of Coco Gauff and Carlos Alcaraz visiting the Forbidden City (originally constructed between 1406 and 1420 by the Ming emperor Zhu Di). In the video, where the duo stood opposite to the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the largest hall within the Forbidden City, Gauff was heard saying, “We are here at the Forbidden City, learning about the culture and I am here with Carlos. We have our traditional clothing on and we are super excited to be here.” 

Amritraj, like many fans, was impressed by Gauff and Alcaraz’s openness to different cultures at such a young age. During a conversation in the Tennis Channel Live Podcast’s September 27th episode, the discussion shifted from their upcoming match to their visiting the Forbidden City (where entry was limited to most people in the past). Talking about this, the former Indian-American player said,

“They both look fantastic. I’m just a big fan of one day take in the culture. Coco is a big fan of doing it for the culture. So is Carlos. And they do it everywhere they go. Love to see it, especially at a young age.” Referring to how most players rarely take out the time to enjoy the beauty of the places they travel to play tennis, the 40-year-old further added,

“And you don’t take in all these beautiful opportunities that you get around the world and all these different magnificent countries. So, to see them also partake in that part of it at that young age, love it.” 

As soon as Gauff saw Alcaraz’s post, she reposted it with a hilarious remark that read, “New kit?” This further displayed the camaraderie and fun that they had in Beijing. Moreover, Coco Gauff’s mother, Candi, also clicked some pictures with Alcaraz in his traditional Chinese outfit. However, Gauff and her mother’s vacation not only included the Forbidden City, but they also visited the Great Wall of China as well!

Coco Gauff and her mother’s visit to the Great Wall of China!

Coco Gauff’s mother, Candi, spent some intimate moments with her daughter in one of the seven wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China. Both clicked selfies while standing on the slope with matching black attire, which Candi posted on her Instagram with the caption, “China 2024❤️.” Moreover, in another picture (posted by Gauff), she was seen jumping in mid-air, with the backdrop of the amazing scenic beauty of the monument.

Besides, Gauff’s mother also celebrated National Daughters Day by posting pictures of them together in what seemed like a photo booth with the caption, “@Cocogauff National Daughters Day ❤️❤️.” In the four photos (made into a collage), Gauff and her mother made different poses, displaying their love and affection for each other. Later on, Gauff reposted the photo on her Instagram with the caption, “Love my mom ❤️.”

As both Alcaraz and Coco Gauff enjoy their time in Beijing, we are waiting to witness some more glimpses of their off-court adventures!