The media conference room, not the canteen, was my favorite place to hang out during the week-long WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai because I was able to glimpse what 12 of the world's best players are like off the court. 

I don't think any of the women had enough energy to play a character in front of the cameras, given they were coming off grueling matches and only had time for a shower and a brief rest before facing reporters. 

In one memorable interview, Petra Kvitova stopped in mid-sentence while answering a question and exclaimed, "Oh boy, I'm tired!" 

Kvitova from the Czech Republic, a two-time Grand Slam winner, was a picture of poise most of the time, which said a lot for her rich experience at big events. 

Even when a journalist tried to dig some new gossip from the glittering rings on her hands, she took the question in easy stride, saying: "Nothing new. Sorry." 

Timea Bacsinszky of Switzerland dons a Peking Opera mask at a media conference in Zhuhai. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Ukraine's Elina Svitolina, who is nicknamed "Cabbage" by her Chinese fans because of her rosy cheeks, came across as a free and easy speaker. As a lover of rap music, the personable 22-year-old spoke with the same rhythm, punctuated with a lot of grins. 

Zhang Shuai, the 27-year-old homegrown player who excited Chinese fans with an amazing season that ended with a career-high ranking of No 24 in the world, was very talkative during interviews until she had some arguments with the media about whether she could avoid confrontations with disruptive spectators who violate tennis etiquette. 

Zhang abruptly left the media conference, and in her next appearance chose to answer questions tersely, with little emotion. 

All of this made me realize the media has a role in building interest in events like the WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai, and with more opportunities to interview athletes and peek into their true personalities off the court, journalists should draw multi-dimensional profiles for the public. 

Athletes and media should avoid confrontation. They are comrades helping each other to grow in their respective areas. 

Arguments are acceptable, certainly, but should be rooted in mutual respect. 

The bottom line? 

There is still a long way for tennis to go to become popular in China. Chinese players, fans and journalists are all part of the process, and should mature together. 

Contact the writer at xujingxi@chinadaily.com.cn