Gauff will carry the United States’ flag alongside LeBron James
US Open champion Coco Gauff has been selected as the female flag-bearer for the United States at the Paris Olympic Games’ opening ceremony, the American team announced on Wednesday.
Gauff to lead USA contingent at Opening Ceremony on Friday
Gauff, 20, will share this honor with four-time NBA champion LeBron James.
This marks the first time a U.S. tennis player will carry the flag.
Gauff expressed her surprise and excitement upon learning of her selection.
She held her hand over her mouth in disbelief when informed by fellow tennis Olympian and longtime friend Chris Eubanks.
“I was not expecting that,”Gauff said emotionally in a video posted by Team USA.
“I mean, for me, the Olympics is a top priority. I would say equal to the Grand Slams. I wouldn’t put it above or below, just because I’ve never played before. This is my first time.”
Gauff and James, both prominent figures in sports that receive year-round attention, were chosen through a vote by their fellow U.S. athletes, according to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).
“I never thought in a million years I would have the honor of carrying the American flag for Team USA in the opening ceremony,”Gauff said in a statement.
“I could not be more proud to lead my teammates with LeBron as we showcase our dedication and passion on the biggest stage there is.”
USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland highlighted the significance of Gauff’s nomination.
“To be nominated by your teammates for this honor speaks volumes about the way in which Coco approaches her sport and her role as a member of Team USA,”Hirshland said.
Gauff set for her first Olympic Games experience
Gauff’s rapid rise in the tennis world began five years ago when she defeated her idol, Venus Williams, in a remarkable run to the Wimbledon fourth round at just 15 years old.
Since then, Gauff, now based in Florida, has won major championships in both singles and doubles.
She claimed her first Grand Slam singles title in New York in September, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the U.S. Open final, and added her first Grand Slam doubles trophy at the French Open this June alongside Katerina Siniakova.
The Paris Olympic Games tennis matches will be held on the same clay courts used for the French Open at Roland Garros.
Gauff is seeded No. 2 in singles and will be among the favorites for a medal.
She and her regular doubles partner, Jessica Pegula, are seeded No. 1 in women’s doubles.
Mixed doubles pairings have yet to be announced.
Reflecting on her Olympic debut, Gauff said, “I’m not putting too much pressure on it, because I really want to fully indulge in the experience. Hopefully I can have the experience multiple times in my lifetime, (but) I’ll treat it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”