Carlos Alcaraz proves to be popular watch in Beijing among table tennis Olympic medalists 

The best men’s table tennis players in the world are making the most of their opportunity of being in Beijing at the same time as the latest edition of the China Open.

Catching a certain multi-Grand Slam champion in action has been a common theme among the special attendees. For the entire men’s singles podium from the Paris Olympics watched—and met—Carlos Alcaraz over the weekend.

On Sunday, gold medalist Fan Zhendong had the honor of doing the pre-match coin toss for Alcaraz’s third-round contest with Tallon Griekspoor. After the four-time major winner prevailed, Alcaraz spent some time backstage with Fan, who also won gold in the men’s team event.

“Obviously a special guest in China, getting the gold medalist,” said Alcaraz, the holder of an Olympic silver medal himself. “Great having him here. I hope he enjoyed my match.”

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Last Friday, silver medalist Truls Moregardh of Sweden (winner of silver in the men’s team event, too), bronze medalist Felix Lebrun of France and his bronze medal winning teammates Simon Gauzy and Alexis Lebrun took in the conclusion of Alcaraz’s opening win over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. The Frenchmen also met Daniil Medvedev and caught up with fellow Olympian Edouard Roger-Vasselin.

“I have always enjoyed watching tennis and my brother and I try to play tennis when we are back home in Montpellier. It was great to go to the China Open and see the best tennis players and also meet the different players like Alcaraz and Medvedev,” shared Felix Lebrun, an 18-year-old prodigy in his sport.

“Carlos is so fast and very dynamic on the court.  He’s very good to watch and he is a nice guy as well. When we met him we talked a little bit about the Olympics and a little bit about his match, but it was a pleasure to meet him and it was great to watch him play.”

Carlos is so fast and very dynamic on the court. He’s very good to watch and he is a nice guy as well. —Felix Lebrun

Added Moregardh, “My experience at the China Open was fantastic, great players, great people, great arena, fantastic tennis matches, super high quality and activities for the fans to come and watch.”

Moregardh, Gauzy and the Lebruns are in town for the China Smash 2024, with the third WTT Grand Smash event of the year being played out at Shijingshan Shougang Park. Fan previously withdrew in late August.

Alcaraz is through to the semifinals of his ATP 500 tournament, having advanced past Karen Khachanov Monday with a 7-5, 6-2 victory. The 21-year-old will return to world No. 2 when the next rankings are published.