'You can boo me, it’s ok': Coco Gauff bold pasta choice after Rome win

Coco Gauff made a somewhat controversial decision after her victory against Mirra Andreeva in the quarterfinals of the Rome Open. The world No. 3 was full of joy after overcoming the Russian teenager and returning to the semifinals of a WTA 1000 for the 10th time in her career and the third time at the Italian Open.

In a tight duel, Gauff prevailed 6-4, 7-6(5), in what was her 4th consecutive victory against the Russian (3-0 on clay courts). Once the match was over, one of the questions asked of the American was about her choice between ‘cacio e pepe over carbonara’.

One of the great attractions of the city of Rome is its renowned gastronomy, where pasta is perhaps the most essential of dishes. Previously, Gauff had revealed that she preferred ‘Cacio e pepe’, made mainly with cheese and pepper, over the traditional carbonara, with pancetta and cheese sauce, contrasting two pasta preparations from the region.

"I just think Cacio e pepe is better," Gauff mentioned in the on-court interview when asked about her favorite preparation. "And I don't know if that is controversial here, I just like that better. But carbonara is still good, I just think Calcio e pepe is great.”

"If you had to choose between one I would choose Calcio e pepe, I don't know if you guys (crowd) agree, if you don't, you can boo me - it's OK."

The 2023 US Open champion did not receive boos, but only applause from the crowd after another phenomenal performance. Gauff has 9 wins in her last 10 appearances and is just one victory away from reaching back-to-back finals in Madrid and Rome.