Sometimes, the heaviest pressures aren’t the ones people anticipate. For Coco Gauff, it wasn’t just the stress of her debut in the Olympics but something more palpable. As the former US Open champion prepared to carry out a special honor in one of the grandest sports events, Gauff found herself clouded with unusual anxiety. As the question pops out of what pushed the WTA star to this edge, Gauff comes forward with her story showcasing how even the brilliant players go through unexpected moments of nervousness.

The Tennis Letter shared Gauff’s revelations about her experience as the flag-bearer for the USA in Paris. With Gauff, her teammate at the event, Christopher Eubanks was also present, offering his side of the story to the media. While Eubanks revealed how he wanted to nominate the former US Open champion for this special responsibility, he also revealed Gauff’s denial that she would be a potential candidate for the work.

“I politely tried to tell her ‘I don’t think you realize how big of a deal you are right now. Your year last year… You helped elevate tennis all across the globe. I think you have a good chance.’ She brushed it off. I nominated her,” he said. Eubanks mentioned that he was the one to inform Coco about their nominations in front of the whole team, and “that was such an honor for” him.

Her nervousness began as soon as she stepped on the boat as “I didn’t wanna drop it in the Seine,“ she said with laughter. Gauff performed the act with American basketball legend LeBron James in the moment that must have been exciting yet tense.

For her, meeting the NBA star in Paris and carrying the flag with him was one-of-a-kind moment. Reason? James has been a part of Coco Gauff’s childhood, and the latter attended his games in South Beach. “But I’ve never actually met him so, this is a cool kind of a circumstance to be meeting him and I guess I’ll actually get to know him a little bit,“ she said.

For the US Open champion, this opportunity was a memorable one. She previously revealed how she was clueless about receiving the honor of representing her country’s flag.

Coco Gauff “never thought” she would get this opportunity “in a million years“

As some opportunities come by surprise, Gauff’s selection for the honor seemed unbelievable to her initially. “never thought in a million years I would have the honor of carrying the American flag for Team USA in the Opening Ceremony. 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 – at a moment where we can bring athletes and fans together from around the world,“ Gauff said.

When Gauff’s Tokyo Olympics dream shattered, who knew she would return to Paris with a Grand Slam title in her bag? Gauff stood tall after her idol, Serena Williams, passed the torch forward and showed young girls how far hard work can take them. 

Following her success and record, she deserves the applause and opportunities she gets. With the Olympics behind her, Gauff is looking to defend her only slam. Can she make it happen?