Serving up an ace cultural experience

"I really love a lot about Chinese culture, such as calligraphy and practicing the ancient techniques of movement and breathing.

"There is a lot to learn from China and Chinese people.

"That's maybe the reason why I've been able to play so well throughout my career here, just feeling it time by time," said the star, who won six straight titles at the China Open from 2009-15.

During his Summer Palace visit, Djokovic also received a bespoke personal Chinese seal engraved with his Chinese name, which he quickly put to work.

After cruising through his opening round, he used the custom seal to sign autographs for fans, making it a unique crossover between the excitement of professional tennis and elegance of Chinese culture.

"Actually, yesterday, when I got the stamp — or the seal — I personalized one," Djokovic said.

"I came up with the idea to use it in case I win the match.

"After the match, I thought, in a sense, to recognize the Chinese tradition and culture and heritage, but at the same time also have fun with it and do something different."

Other A-list stars following suit in exploring Beijing's classic cultural landmarks include the tournament's 2023 women's champion Iga Swiatek and men's world No 5 Felix Auger-Aliassime.

They spent a day touring the city's historic Drum and Bell Towers before their respective first-round matches.

The two young stars fully immersed themselves in traditional Chinese customs, donning elegant hanfu, the traditional attire of ancient China, and joining in a lively dragon dance ritual at the historic site, a central architectural landmark in ancient Beijing's city layout.

"I loved it. Thanks for the opportunity to see it. You've got to see the history, and it was fun," said Polish six-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek.

"This was a great morning with a lot of fun things," Auger-Aliassime said of the visit to the two towers.

"The history behind it and the beauty of it, I think that's what's most impressive. And to have a nice view of this important Beijing site is very cool."

Unlike her history-inclined colleagues, reigning Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic enjoyed a taste of the trendy modern China: Pop Mart.

A China Open finalist last year, Noskova visited Pop Mart City Park, an immersive theme park dedicated to the viral toy sensation, and fully enjoyed her downtime hanging out with iconic pop culture figures like Labubu, Molly and Skullpanda.

"I thought it would be much smaller, yet this is a whole world," the rising Czech star said, amazed by the park.

"I could spend a whole day here, maybe even two days. I would absolutely go (again), but I would have to bring my nieces.

"I am enjoying the city, overall. So I will always try to explore the city and interact with fans.

"And I always bring an extra suitcase to China, because I know (that I will have to pack many gifts)."

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn