Have you ever been mistaken for someone else in a way that left you laughing? America’s star player Coco Gauff certainly has. While in Montreal, the former US Open champion was surprisingly mistaken for Leylah Fernandez. However, it wasn’t the first time Gauff had been confused for another WTA player, but this mix-up took the cake. With a funny twist and some insights from Gauff’s former partner in doubles Jessica Pegula, the story quickly became one of the sport’s most lighthearted moments.

Gauff has made it to the Australian Open‘s third round, where she will face Canada’s Leylah Fernandez at the Margaret Court Arena. The duo first met for a singles clash at the 2025 United Cup, where Gauff overpowered Fernandez by 6-3, 6-2. Given their recent matches, excitement for this Grand Slam rematch is high, and the fraternity eagerly awaits the next chapter of their rivalry. But amid the buzzing tension, a humorous story involving the American and the Canadian players has unexpectedly taken center stage.

In August 2023, Gauff responded to a curious fan question on X about her experiences with racism. The 2023 US Open champion then shared a lighthearted moment from her tour experiences. She revealed that, over the years, she has been mistaken for many fellow WTA colleagues, including Sloane Stephens, Taylor Townsend, Serena and Venus Williams, and Alycia Parks. But this time, there was a new mix-up for Gauff. Turns out, in Montreal, a fan asked the 2024 WTA Finals champion for an autograph, thinking she was none other than Canada’s star player Leylah Fernandez. “I sign autographs as myself but occasionally I am somehow also signing as Sloane, Venus, Serena, Taylor, Alycia, and yesterday I got Leylah for the first time lollll,” a light-hearted Gauff tweeted.

The exchange didn’t stop there. Gauff’s former doubles partner and friend Jessica Pegula, chimed in with her amusing story. “One time I signed and the woman thought I was you… that one got me lol,” Pegula commented. In response, Gauff reflected on how people of color often face racist practices that homogenize their physical features. “All POC are the same at this point because what haha,” Gauff tweeted, her humorous words carrying a hint of disappointment.

Despite the occasional mix-up and the challenges that come with racism, the former US Open champion has embraced difficult situations with grace. Displaying maturity beyond her years is characteristic of Coco. And the same was also on display again, as she reflected on her upcoming clash. There was no overconfidence in her approach to the upcoming match. Instead, she expressed her admiration for Fernandez, a talented athlete, and former US Open finalist.

Coco Gauff thinks “anything can happen” in her match against Leylah Fernandez

As Gauff entered the Melbourne Slam’s third round to set up a clash against Fernandez, she confessed she wasn’t entirely satisfied with her performance against Jodie Burrage and needed to work harder against the Canadian opponent next. The former US Open champion revealed her preparation against Fernandez, which started last December with practicing against a left-handed player: “I knew that I wanted to play with some lefties in the off-season because I knew it was going to be my first match. It was something that I wanted to prep for, just be ready for. I knew the United Cup schedule weeks beforehand and I knew she was going to have a match before she played me, so I had to be ready,” Gauff said. And her efforts delivered. She overpowered Fernandez in the United Cup showing her brilliance in the sport.

This time around, however, the American star refused to rely on her last performance. Although she accepted her dedication to the 2025 United Cup, Gauff believed things could take a different turn this time. “Obviously I did well at United Cup, but it’s a different match, different story – anything can happen,” Gauff said.

On the flip side, Fernandez holds intense admiration for Gauff. Ahead of their United Cup clash, the Canadian paid a sweet tribute to her American colleague that warmed the fraternity’s hearts. “Playing against (Coco Gauff) is never easy. She’s a tough opponent, great competitor. So hopefully we’re going to have fun tomorrow and going to put on some good shows,” Fernandez said. Her words echoed her thrill to compete against a skilled player like Gauff.

Coco Gauff and Leylah Fernandez’s upcoming match has fueled the fraternity’s excitement for the 2025 Australian Open. No matter who wins, the players have proven their skills promising a hard fight at the Margaret Court Arena. So, are you ready?