Practice, they say, makes perfect.
That’s why ATP Tour stars hit the practice courts in earnest at Qi Zhong Tennis Center Saturday, led by former US Open champion Marin Cilic, current World No. 5 Felix Auger Aliassime and former World No. 2 Casper Ruud.
Cilic, who has won more than 600 tour-level matches and captured 21 titles, reached the semi-finals of the Rolex Shanghai Masters in 2017. The 38-year-old Croat took time out after practice to pose for selfies with grateful fans.
Singles qualifying begins Monday, with 48 players chasing one of 12 qualifying berths into the main draw.
Cruz Hewitt, son of former World No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt, has been granted a wild card into qualifying. He practised under the watchful eye of fellow Aussie Jordan Thompson, who is putting his strategic talents to good use while rehabbing from injury.
Main draw play begins Wednesday.
Cruz Hewitt, with an eye on qualifying, chats to fellow Australian Jordan Thompson.
Felix Auger-Aliassime obliges a selfie request.
Former World No. 2 Casper Ruud works through his paces.
Italian Lorenzo Sonego stretches for an overhead.
Fans turn out in strong numbers to watch practice.
Spain's Martin Landaluce cranks up on a backhand.
Argentine Sebastian Baez unleashes on a big forehand.
Felix Auger-Aliassime recently hired Roger Federer's former coach, Ivan Ljubicic.
