Coco Gauff and Carlos Alcaraz are both in Beijing as they look to enjoy lengthy runs at the China Open.
Alcaraz used the Laver Cup as preparation for the China Open, where he meets Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in round one.
Just like Alcaraz, Gauff faces French opposition in Clara Burel in the opening round, having just split with coach Brad Gilbert.
Maria Sharapova says Gauff can expect such changes in her career, having already won a Grand Slam aged just 20.
Spanish icon Alcaraz meanwhile has a phenomenal four Grand Slam titles to his name at the age of just 21.
Carlos Alcaraz makes Coco Gauff laugh ‘so hard’ ahead of China Open
The young stars have taken the tennis world by storm in recent years, and they linked up together in Beijing, visiting the Forbidden City wearing traditional Chinese clothing.
As per the WTA website, Gauff said of the visit before the China Open: “It was really cool just to see the architecture and how people lived during that time, and realising how big of a place it was for just the emperor to live in. I would do it again. I’ll probably go back next year.
“I was laughing so hard when Carlos put his on because he had that huge smile and he was just standing there as people dressed him. Mine had red and white, so I liked my outfit better. I wasn’t jealous. I’ve only seen settings like this on TV and in movies.”
Coco Gauff and Carlos Alcaraz at different stages before China Open
It is certainly a very interesting time for both players, with Alcaraz going into the China Open in stunning form after his Laver Cup heroics.
The Spaniard scored eight points as Team Europe defeated Team World 13-11 at the Uber Arena in Berlin.
That, however, came right after a disappointing second round exit at the US Open, with Gauff not lasting much longer.
The American failed to defend her US Open title in New York earlier this month, suffering a fourth round exit to compatriot Emma Navarro.
But she is in high spirits in Beijing, having visited the historic palace that once housed China’s emperors for five centuries.
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