COCO Gauff had a bizarre moment to forget during the Italian Open in Rome.
Gauff, 21, was facing Chinese star Qinwen Zheng in the semifinals.
And No. 8 seed Zheng was left stunned and confused by the American’s actions.
The incident occurred in the third and final set of their grueling clash Thursday night.
Gauff was serving when her opponent went back to her chair to select a new racket.
While Zheng was checking her new equipment by the side of the court, Gauff hit a serve.
Zheng turned back and looked at Gauff in astonishment.
And the crowd gathered in Rome burst into laughter at what just happened.
“Did she not see her?” the commentator was heard asking about Gauff.
The American was then seen laughing with the umpire.
She was apparently completely unaware that Zheng wasn’t at the baseline ready to play.
Gauff won the long semifinal battle on a third set tiebreak.
She will face Italian Jasmine Paolini in Saturday’s final at the Foro Italico Sports Complex.
The American invited fans to boo her during an on-court interview this week.
Gauff admitted her views on pasta might be “controversial” for the fans in Rome.
The 2023 US Open champion had just defeated Mirra Andreeva in the quarterfinals when she was interviewed.
Gauff was asked why she prefers Cacio e pepe pasta over carbonara.
“I just think Cacio e pepe is better,” the 21-year-old awkwardly laughed.
“I don’t know if that is controversial here – I just like that better.
“But carbonara is still good, I just think Cacio e pepe is great.
“If I had to choose between one I would choose Cacio e pepe.”
Directly addressing the crowd, Gauff added, “I don’t know if you guys agree.
“If you don’t, you can boo me – it’s OK.”
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