Coco Gauff Faces Mixed Reaction After Italian Open Remarks

At the Italian Open in Rome, American tennis star Coco Gauff sparked a lighthearted controversy by expressing her preference for Cacio e Pepe over Carbonara pasta during a post-match interview after defeating Mirra Andreeva to reach the semifinals. Gauff acknowledged that her choice might be contentious in Italy, inviting the crowd to boo her if they disagreed, though the audience responded with cheers rather than boos. The 21-year-old, ranked third in the world and a favorite for the upcoming French Open, explained that she prefers the simplicity of Cacio e Pepe, highlighting it as part of her pre-match routine alongside other pasta dishes. Despite the playful nature of the question, Gauff's candidness resonated with fans and showcased her personable side beyond the tennis court. She now looks ahead to a semifinal match against Qinwen Zheng, with the potential to face Jasmine Paolini or Peyton Stearns in the final. Gauff's pasta preference and humorous interaction with the Italian crowd added a charming cultural moment to her strong tournament run.