Coco Gauff, the 20-year-old US Open champion, is set to make history as the youngest-ever American flag bearer at the Paris Olympics. She will share the honor with four-time NBA champion LeBron James, whom she considers one of her idols. However, the tennis star admitted to feeling a bit nervous about meeting James for the first time during the opening ceremony on Friday.
Gauff, who will be the first American tennis player to be awarded the flag bearer role, revealed she hasn’t met James yet and is unsure how to approach him. She jokingly admitted to being scared, but also expressed her excitement for the moment. When asked if she planned to record a video with James, she laughed and said, “I don’t think I’ll have the confidence to do that.” Instead, she’s aiming to get pins from James for her team and captain.
Speaking to reporters on the eve of the ceremony, Gauff said that while she has set lofty career goals, flag bearing was one she never imagined. She teared up when her fellow Team USA tennis teammates surprised her with the ceremonial white blazer on Wednesday. However, she admitted to being in the dark about her official duties, saying, “I’m literally going in blind.” She’s been looking at pictures of past opening ceremonies, but since this one will be unique with the flag bearers on a boat, she’s unsure what to expect.
The world number two, who rose to international prominence at the age of 15 when she defeated Venus Williams at Wimbledon, is excited about the opportunity. She was forced to miss the Tokyo Olympics three years ago due to a COVID-positive test. This experience has made the current moment even sweeter for her.
Gauff is set to compete in both the singles and doubles events at the Paris Olympics. The tennis competition begins on Saturday.
