Coco Gauff continued her mastery over Russian teen Mirra Andreeva and returned to the Italian Open semifinals with a 6-4, 7-6 (5) victory on Wednesday in Rome.

Gauff’s victory comes just days after another major moment in Rome: the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, who was chosen last week at the conclusion of the papal conclave. The event drew global attention to the Vatican — including from Gauff herself.

No. 4 seed Coco Gauff stepped up when it mattered the most and beat seventh-seeded Mirra Andreeva in two tight sets 6-4 7-6 (5) to book a Rome Open semifinal spot. Early on in the match, there wasn't much separating the two as not a single break point was seen.

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.

Coco Gauff advanced to the Italian Open semi-finals after defeating Mirra Andreeva 6-4, 7-6(5) on Wednesday, but it was her post-match comments about pasta that charmed the Rome crowd. The American tennis star found herself fielding questions about her culinary preferences in a city renowned for its food culture.

Gauff has finished runner-up in the last two editions at the Foro Italico with two different partners—Jessica Pegula in 2023 and Erin Routliffe in 2024. For Eala, this marks her doubles debut at the WTA 1000 level. The two meet Alexandra Panova and Fanny Stollar in their opener.

WTA Rome semifinals has thrown up two compelling finals with the first due to be contested between Coco Gauff and Zheng Qinwen. Both will no doubt be desperate to maintain their momentum ahead of the forthcoming French Open which starts in under a fortnight – but who will come out on top?

The Coco Gauff-Alex Eala pairing in the Italian Open doubles competition has reached its end. Gauff and Eala absorbed a tough three-set loss against Italian Open defending champions Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini,