Reporting from Almaty, Kazakhstan, the air was filled with a mix of banter, knowledge, and of course, delicious food as professional tennis players Frances Tiafoe and Karen Khachanov took on the challenge of preparing gnocchi with Michelin Star chef, Baptiste Renouard.
Tiafoe, known for his humorous demeanor, jokingly exclaimed, “I have no idea what I’m doing!” as he rolled up his sleeves to get hands-on in the kitchen. His fellow player, Khachanov, admitted, “For me, in general I never cook. To learn and have this experience is just great for my life.”
The two athletes, both gearing up for the Almaty Open, found themselves in a unique situation as they delved into the world of culinary arts under the guidance of Renouard. From mixing the potato dough to shaping the gnocchi, Tiafoe and Khachanov shared laughs and friendly competition throughout the process.
As they worked side by side, Tiafoe couldn’t help but be surprised by a revelation from Khachanov, exclaiming, “You’ve been married eight years?!” The light-hearted exchange added a touch of personal insight into the players’ lives, showing a different side to their competitive spirits.
Despite the playful banter, it was evident that one player had a knack for the task at hand, showcasing a hidden talent in the kitchen. The experience not only provided a break from the intense world of professional tennis but also offered a chance for the players to bond over a shared activity outside of the court.
With a newfound appreciation for the art of cooking, Tiafoe and Khachanov left the kitchen with full stomachs and a memorable experience to carry with them as they continued their journey at the Almaty Open. The mix of fun, food, and friendly competition made for a day to remember for the top-seeded players, proving that there’s more to their game than just what happens on the tennis court.
