The Chengdu Open time honoured tradition of bringing ATP stars to visit pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding continued this year as Felix Auger-Aliassime, Grigor Dimitrov & Cristian Garin were the first players to visit the cherished furballs this morning.
The players enjoyed a relaxing stroll through the bamboo laden and forested base and caught glimpses of several large lounging on their tree platforms and chewing bamboo, prompting the trio to take numerous photos, videos and selfies.
They had the good fortune of visiting the panda base as two baby pandas were on their morning run out and were seen cuddling with each other in the light rain. They also saw several red pandas, two of which were playfully fighting with each other and putting on a show for the visitors.
An official guide was on hand to offer interesting facts about the heritage and habits of the lovable creatures.
“It was good, it was first time here and seeing pandas. I got to see different types as well, even the newborns. Overall, it’s a good day. Definitely a must-see if you’re in the region,” said Auger-Aliassime
“I’ve never seen red pandas that close. I’ve been here before but seeing them that close – it was pretty different, I’m not going to lie. I almost felt like a part of them. I wish we could actually go in and touch them, but I don’t know if it’s a great idea. It was a great way to start the day,” said Dimitrov, who had previously visited the Chengdu Panda Base in 2016.
“It’s my first time seeing the pandas. It’s amazing, doesn’t look real. I’m very happy to be here and hear the crazy story of these animals. It’s very beautiful here,” said Garin.
There will be free admission to qualifying round matches, Court 1 and 2 matches. Tickets for the Chengdu Open Main Draw Center Court matches through to the finals are available through www.damai.cn or via the national hotline at 10103721.
The tournament is owned by IMG and is organized by the Chinese Tennis Association and Chengdu Municipal Government, is co-organized by Chengdu Sports Bureau, Shuangliu District Government and Chengdu Culture Tourism Group and is promoted by Sichuan Investment International Tennis Centre Development Co., Ltd., CCTV IMG (Beijing) Sports Management Co. Ltd. and WME IMG China Culture Development Co. Ltd.
The Chengdu Open is also very proud to have the distinguished support from ATP Tour’s Premier Partner Emirates, the official player hotel St. Regis Chengdu, which fast became a favourite of the players, Dunlop tennis balls, the official water VOSS, the official car BMW / Reach Now, the Sichuan Tennis International Hotel, which is conveniently located adjacent to the courts and provides efficient services to the tournament, the exclusive official digital media partner Iqiyi Sports, the official stringer Yonex, the official public transportation platform Tian Fu Tong, the official gym equipment Impulse and the official tea Sichuan Mengding Tea Co. Ltd.
The official tournament website www.ChengduOpenTennis.com has additional information about the tournament.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Contact Ms. Robecta Yeung, ph: +852-28940204 or +86-13760373443 or by email Robecta.Yeung@img.com.
About the 2019 Chengdu Open
Please visit: www.ChengduOpenTennis.com
About Chinese Tennis Association
Please visit: www.tennis.org.cn
About Chengdu City
Please visit: www.chengdu.gov.cn
About Chengdu Sports Bureau
Please visit: http://cdsport.chengdu.gov.cn
About Shuangliu District
Please visit: www.shuangliu.gov.cn
About Chengdu Culture Tourism Group
Please visit: www.cdctg.com
About Sichuan Investment International Tennis Centre Development Co., Ltd.
Please visit: http://en.sciitc.com
About WME IMG China Culture Development Co. Ltd
Please visit: www.img.com
About the ATP World Tour
Please visit: www.atpworldtour.com
