The Asian Swing has begun with a bang, with top players across the globe in action in what is the penultimate part of the season. With a place in the World Tour Finals at stake, the players can hardly afford to take it easy. Amid this intense competition, the players have been fortunate to receive some amazing support from the fans. Take the example of Coco Gauff, who received some unique gifts in the form of stuffed animals to Labubu dolls. A similar thing happened with Jannik Sinner, who was full of praises for his Chinese fans.

Earlier today, the Italian star was at his dominant best, as he defeated Fabian Marozsan in straight sets 6-1, 7-5 in the last eight encounter. During the encounter, Sinner was widely cheered by the local fans, with one fan even carrying a hat with his face printed on it. During the post-match interview, Sinner was asked how he felt after getting tremendous support in this part of the world.

He said, “Yeah, it’s great. I mean, different kind of support, which I really like. You get a lot of gifts. It’s nice to be here, no? I feel like it has grown so much in the last two years. Already when I came the first time, people kind of knew me, which was great. I always had great support here and in Shanghai.”

Some of these gestures included decorating Sinner’s locker with good luck charms, images, and various other paraphernalia. Sinner was also given a bucket hat with different cutouts of his face printed onto it. A gift he was so enthused by that he promised to take the hat with him. He was also pictured laughing heartily while taking a photo of Russia’s Karen Khachanov posing with the hat on.

Further, Sinner added, “It’s definitely a swing what I like because many different things you see. It’s great to be here. Yeah, I feel like, as I always say, the sport here has grown a lot. Also because the men’s and women’s side, many great Chinese players who are making passionate, for the fans here, the tennis. It’s great.”

Overall, the local crowd has been very kind to the players and has celebrated some amazing tennis displayed here. In turn, the players have expressed their gratitude, thanking the fans for their support. Sinner wasn’t the first one to speak about them, as Coco Gauff also made her feelings felt on the local crowd.

Coco Gauff hails the kindness of Chinese fans

The American sensation is one of the most popular tennis players across the globe, and also has a huge fanbase in China. Thus, when she reached Beijing to play in the China Open, Gauff was showered with some amazing gifts. Subsequently, she thanked her fans for support and making her feel like home in Beijing.

Gauff said, “I don’t know if I’ll receive as many gifts anywhere else in the world. I hope Western fans will be as kind as Chinese fans with their gifts, because I love gifts. I love being spoiled. I like receiving things. It’s fun. Yes, I love this place. And I love my life, for sure.”

Moreover, Gauff also reasoned out why the fans love her so much, saying, “Yes, there are definitely moments like that. Honestly, here, every day, I wake up feeling very grateful to all the people who appreciate me (smiles). I ask them, ‘Why do you like me?’ They say, ‘We like your personality.’ For me, it means a lot when they say that rather than talking about my tennis or the way I play. It makes me feel more like a person. Every day when I wake up here, I really feel that gratitude.”

While Gauff is through to the pre-quarterfinals, Sinner will play his semifinal match tomorrow. Can the duo lift the trophy in Beijing? Let us know your views in the comments below.