Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka shared a warm, brief interaction at the 2024 China Open in Beijing on Thursday, September 26. Both stars are competing in the hardcourt event, with Alcaraz playing in the ATP 500 tournament and Sabalenka in the WTA 1000 event.
In a video uploaded by Tennis TV on X (formerly Twitter), Sabalenka is seen with her team inside a vehicle, seemingly within the stadium grounds. Alcaraz, with his kit bag in tow, approaches and greets her with a warm handshake. The two exchange pleasantries before parting ways.You can watch the video below:
The pair are training before they begin their campaigns at the 2024 China Open.
China Open 2024: Carlos Alcaraz faces Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in 1R, Aryna Sabalenka takes on Mananchaya Sawangkaew in 2R
For the men, the 2024 China Open is an ATP 500 event. No first-round byes are handed out in the event and second-seed Carlos Alcaraz will begin his campaign against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round on Friday, September 27.
Alcaraz comes to Beijing after a couple of masterful performances in the 2024 Laver Cup in Berlin. In singles, he defeated Ben Shelton on Day 2 and Taylor Fritz on Day 3, earning five crucial points for Team Europe to secure a 13-11 victory. His contribution helped prevent Team World from pulling off a three-peat.The Spaniard has recently commented about the “tight” ATP Tour schedule and added the schedule can “kill” the players. However, ahead of the China Open, he said in a press conference that his energy levels are good and he hopes to win the tournament. He said,
“Well, my energy level right now, it is good. I mean, I have motivations to come here to play a good tennis. I’m going to try to win the tournament, as I try to do to every tournament that I go [to].”
Meanwhile, for the women, the 2024 China Open is a WTA 1000 event. Aryna Sabalenka is the top seed as World No. 1 Iga Swiatek had to withdraw due to personal matters. The Belarusian received a bye in the first round and has been pitted against Mananchaya Sawangkaew in the second round of the event.This will be the first encounter between the pair and it is also Sabalenka’s first match after her US Open triumph. The 26-year-old will be hoping to put on a good show and close the gap to the top spot.
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