Coco Gauff grabs A'ja Wilson and Flau'jae Johnson's attention with Australian Open win over Leylah Fernandez

Coco Gauff not only won over her fans with her incredible third-round victory at the 2025 Australian Open but also caught the attention of basketball stars A'ja Wilson and Flau'jae Johnson. The American defeated Canada's Leylah Fernandez in that match.

Gauff entered the 2025 season brimming with confidence after her title wins at the China Open and WTA Finals the previous year. Her success at the United Cup at the beginning of the year, where she was named MVP and helped Team USA secure the championship, further fueled her momentum.

The American started her campaign in Melbourne with a solid 6-3, 6-3 victory over compatriot Sofia Kenin. She then backed it up with a 6-3, 7-5 win over Great Britain's Jodie Burrage before facing Fernandez in the third round.

Coco Gauff maintained her strong form by defeating Fernandez 6-3, 6-2, extending her streak of not dropping a set this season. This was their second meeting after their encounter at the United Cup, which also ended in the former US Open finalist's favor.

Following her victory, the 20-year-old took to Instagram to share a series of pictures from the match. In the caption, she wrote:

"Into the 2nd week #AO."

Wilson, a WNBA star for the Las Vegas Aces, and Johnson, an LSU Tigers college basketball player and rapper, left comments under Coco Gauff's post.

"HER," Wilson wrote.

"The 1," Johnson added.

@aja22wilson and @flaujae via Instagram

Coco Gauff to face Belinda Bencic in Australian Open 2025 4R

2025 Australian Open - Source: Getty

Coco Gauff has advanced to the second week of the 2025 Australian Open, aiming to capture her second Grand Slam title after her 2023 US Open triumph. However, the road ahead in Melbourne appears challenging for her.

Standing in Gauff's way next is Belinda Bencic, who has impressed with solid wins over Jelena Ostapenko, Suzan Lamens, and a walkover against Naomi Osaka. A Tokyo Olympics gold medalist, the Swiss star is sure to put up a strong fight.

If the 20-year-old gets past Bencic, she will likely face either 11th seed Paula Badosa or Olga Danilovic in the quarterfinals. A potential showdown with two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka could await her in the semifinals.

Should she overcome Sabalenka, she could face the challenge of either Iga Swiatek or Jasmine Paolini in the final as she aims to claim the coveted women’s singles trophy.