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Philipp Kohlschreiber, Dennis Novak and Fernando Verdasco visit Wildpark Aurach
On Monday, the 27th edition of the Generali Open kicks off in scenic Kitzbuhel, Austria. But first, the tournament's stars stepped out for an activity at nearby Wildpark Aurach.

Two-time champion and local resident Philipp Kohlschreiber joined wild card Dennis Novak and third seed Fernando Verdasco at the animal habitat on Saturday. Located in the Austrian Alps, it is home to 200 different native and exotic animals, including monkeys, kangaroos and llamas.

“It’s a very special location," said Kohlscreiber. "Not many tournaments can offer such a great experience with the animals, beautiful view and the weather is great. Impressive to see so many animals close up.”

Defending champion Kohlschreiber, who also lifted the trophy in 2015, is seeded second at next week's tournament. It is the last clay-court event of the year on the ATP World Tour.

Novak, meanwhile, enters on the heels of a run to the third round at Wimbledon as a qualifier, where he earned his first Top 20 win over Lucas Pouille. His first tour-level match win came in Kitzbuhel in 2015.

Verdasco opens against either Roberto Carballes Baena or Hamburg semi-finalist Nicolas Jarry. The Spanish veteran reached the Kitzbuhel final 13 years ago, falling to Gaston Gaudio in 2005.

Rooney was at SW19 when Murray won Wimbledon title in 2013

It’s not often that you find two iconic athletes from different sports on the same court. But on Friday, British stars Andy Murray and Wayne Rooney met at the Citi Open for a short hit and game of football-tennis.

“He’s obviously had an incredible career, one of the best players ever in English football history,” said Murray, whose grandfather played for Scotland’s Hibernian F.C. “It’s nice to finally meet him. I’ve never met him before, so it’s very cool.”

Rooney, the leading goal-scorer in England National Team and Manchester United history, currently plays for local club D.C. United of Major League Soccer, so he couldn’t pass up an opportunity to meet Murray. The football legend was in the stands when the Scot captured his first Wimbledon title in 2013 to end Great Britain’s 77-year wait for a home champion.

Rooney Murray

“It was incredible, a real achievement, and [Novak] Djokovic at the time looked unbeatable, so it was a great victory and a great experience to be there,” Rooney said. “It was the first time I was at Wimbledon, and [it was] history for Britain, so it was a fantastic moment to be there.”

Murray, who was joined by brother Jamie Murray — the fourth seed in the doubles draw with Bruno Soares at the Citi Open — on Stadium Court, grew up playing football and follows the Premier League as he travels the world. Rooney hasn’t been able to pick up a tennis racquet much, but he says he loves watching the sport. His game was put to the test when the pair rallied, and Murray hit some serves to the football star.

Murray Rooney

“It was decent. Forehand was alright, he almost returned a couple serves. But yeah, not bad. Backhand needs a bit of work,” Murray joked. “He did alright for someone who doesn’t play much. It was good.”

Murray will now turn his attention to the ATP World Tour 500-level tournament in Washington D.C. The 31-year-old will face American Mackenzie McDonald in the first round, and could face compatriot and fourth seed Kyle Edmund in a second-round blockbuster.