Madison Keys has run into a recurring problem involving close friend Jessica Pegula while competing at the Cincinnati Open. After winning her opening match at the WTA 1000 event, Keys humorously revealed how she has been dealing with being mistaken for her fellow American at the venue, days after experiencing a similar mix-up in Toronto.
Madison Keys Opens Up About Being Mistaken for Jessica Pegula at the Cincinnati Open
After suffering a third-round exit at the Canadian Open, Keys kicked off her campaign for her second Cincinnati Open title with a comeback win over Daria Snigur in the second round. The American responded strongly after losing the opening set and ultimately secured a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory to advance to the third round.
Appearing on Tennis Channel after her win, Keys revealed that she was constantly mistaken for Pegula around the tournament grounds. She humorously shed light on her preemptive method of avoiding the mix-up.
“It’s gotten to the point where as I’m walking by, I just start yelling, ‘I’m not Jess.’ It’s that bad. It happens all of the time. Like I get called Jess more than I get called myself,” Keys said.
Keys’ remarks follow on the heels of a hilarious mishap at the Canadian Open, when she arrived at a press conference only to find Pegula’s name on the nameplate in front of her. The 31-year-old took the blunder in stride, joking about how often she is mistaken for her close friend and podcast co-host.
“Should I leave this up and confuse people? I mean, people call me Jess nine times out of 10 anyway,” she said.
On the tennis front, Pegula has also made a winning start in Cincinnati, claiming a dominant 6-3, 6-2 win over Simona Waltert in her tournament opener following a first-round bye.
MORE: Ben Shelton Shuts Down ‘Crazy Question’ Involving Jessica Pegula at the Canadian Open
Up next, No. 20 seed Madison Keys will lock horns with Kateřina Siniaková in the third round of the Cincinnati Open. If she emerges victorious, the American will battle either Elina Svitolina or Wang Xiyu in the fourth round.
In the other half of the draw, No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula is set to face No. 25 seed Emma Navarro in a blockbuster third-round showdown at the WTA 1000 event. The winner of their clash will face either Sorana Cîrstea or Anna Kalinskaya in the Round of 16.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.