China Open stars dazzle on the red carpet, celebrate Chinese culture

Tennis’ biggest stars traded the court for the red carpet Tuesday night, dazzling in pristine looks at the China Open Players’ Party, where modern and traditional Chinese culture blended with the glamour of the sport.

Alexander Zverev, Coco Gauff, Mirra Andreeva, Naomi Osaka and Flavio Cobolli were among the stars gathered at the National Convention Center in Beijing to celebrate the tournament.

As players arrived, they were greeted by performers dressed in traditional Chinese attire before making their way onto the red carpet. The evening’s theme, “Through the Window: A World Unfolds,” was inspired by the idea that “one window reflects all wonders and all wonders enter through the window.”

That concept came to life throughout the evening, combining Chinese culture, fashion and tennis in an interactive experience designed to put the players at the center of the celebration.

On the red carpet, personalized videos of each athlete were projected through windows of light and shadow, showcasing their on-court highlights and evolving style over the years.

Players were then handed a pen by a smart robot to sign the backdrop before posing for cameras.

The cultural experience continued beyond the red carpet. Players could decorate traditional rattle drums, make kites and receive a personalized name chop, a classical Chinese seal. They could also watch as delicate, custom-made sugar paintings were created for them.

“It’s quite different being here in China and seeing the culture and the different things that everyone is bringing,” said ATP No. 40 Cameron Norrie of Great Britain. “You’re not going to see this in Europe or in the States.”

Food and drinks offered another introduction to Chinese culture.

1573 Baijiu, a popular Chinese liquor produced at one of China’s oldest distilleries, was available for sampling. The distillery also served Cup of Victory cocktails, combining the Baijiu with sparkling tea infused with herbal and floral notes.

The evening’s formal programming opened with a traditional Chinese fan dance before tournament representatives addressed the crowd. Players were then invited onstage to raise a toast, marking the start of the China Open.

For the players, the party offered a chance to experience Beijing beyond the tennis courts.

American Ann Li, making her second China Open appearance, said the event added to the excitement of returning to the city.

“Last year, I didn’t get to explore much and this year hopefully I can get around,” she said. “I would love to explore restaurants and hopefully get some good recommendations.”

Norrie was already taking advantage of the opportunity. Earlier Tuesday, he visited the Forbidden City for the first time before attending the party.

“I think it’s quite different being here in China and seeing the culture and the different things that everyone is bringing and all the events,” he said. “It’s nice to come and change your mind completely. I really enjoyed the food. The duck was really good.”

“Actually, today I went to the Forbidden City for the first time, and we had a nice host there that took us around. It was cool to learn about the emperor. That area was nice and, to be honest, I had not really done much in Beijing before. So, it was nice to have the day off and choose to do that. Now, I am going to focus on tennis.”

For Norrie, that immersion is part of what made the China Open experience different.

“With just the Chinese touch, you’re not going to see this in Europe or in the states,” he said. “All these different pop ups that you can learn about the culture. It’s very different and helps you change your mind.”

The extravagant yet inviting energy of the party offered the players one final celebration before the focus shifted back to tennis, with main-draw matches beginning Wednesday.

By Maggie Bane and Lainey Hogg