Coco Gauff, at just 20 years old, has made history by being named the Team USA flag bearer for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. This makes her the first tennis player ever to hold this honor. She will be accompanied by basketball star LeBron James at the opening ceremony, where she will lead the American delegation into the Olympic stadium.
Gauff, currently ranked as the world No. 2 and the defending U.S. Open champion, will also become the youngest American flag bearer in Olympic history. This achievement surpasses Cindy Nelson, who previously held the role at the 1976 Innsbruck Winter Games in Austria.
The talented tennis player will represent Team USA in the women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events. She will be partnering with world No. 6 Jessica Pegula in the women’s doubles and men’s No. 11 Taylor Fritz in the mixed doubles event. Gauff was originally selected to compete in the Tokyo Games, but had to withdraw in 2021 due to a COVID-19 diagnosis.
Despite her impressive accomplishments, Gauff faces a tough challenge in the form of world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, the favorite for the singles title. Swiatek has dominated their head-to-head matches, holding an 11-1 record against Gauff, including a recent victory in the French Open semifinals. Gauff will be aiming to turn the tide and secure a win against Swiatek during the Olympic Games.
The draws for the tennis events at the Paris Olympics will be conducted on Thursday, giving players and fans a glimpse of the matchups to come. Gauff will be teaming up with her partner Katerina Siniakova from the Czech Republic, who she won the women’s doubles title with at the French Open. Siniakova will be playing alongside Barbora Krejcikova, the Wimbledon champion and a 10-time doubles Grand Slam winner.
As the excitement builds for the upcoming Olympics, sports enthusiasts can stay updated with all the latest news and insights. The Athletic offers in-depth coverage of players, teams, leagues, and clubs, providing exclusive stories and analysis for avid fans. Stay connected with the pulse of the sporting world by subscribing to The Athletic and enjoying a week of all-access content.
Follow James Hansen, a Senior Editor at The Athletic specializing in tennis, for more updates and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of sports. With a background in college tennis and a passion for the game, James brings a unique perspective to his coverage of the Olympic events and the athletes competing on the global stage. Join the conversation on Twitter and engage with the latest developments in the world of tennis and beyond.
