It’s time for a mega showdown at the Olympics! Transitioning from the pristine grass courts of Wimbledon to the gritty clay courts of Roland Garros is no easy feat, but the excitement is palpable for tennis enthusiasts and players alike. For first-time Olympian Coco Gauff, the thrill has reached new heights with the latest opportunity she’s been honored with.

The 20-year-old American player is all set to lead the WTA players from America for the Paris Olympics. Besides this, she will also be the flag bearer for her country, which makes her first-ever Olympic games yet more special. Coco Gauff, the young American sensation, has always dreamed big, and now, she will add one more feather to her career with this resounding opportunity. Coco Gauff is the youngest player and the first tennis player from her country to have achieved this feat. She will be joined by LeBron James who was named the male flag bearer on Monday.

This comes as a major surprise for Gauff. The reigning US Open Champion missed the last Olympics in Tokyo after she was diagnosed with Covid-19. She has expressed her desire to compete at the grand stage of the sport time and again and the latest opportunity will surely add up to her anticipations. In doing so, she has left behind several top tennis players from America like Serena Williams and Venus Williams. And Gauff could not be more proud about this.

Speaking after the news was declared, Coco Gauff said, “I never thought in a million years I would have the honor of carrying the American flag for Team USA in the Opening Ceremony.” Continuing further, she revealed her excitement. “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 was selected for the honor as part of an internal voting procedure, where her fellow athletes from the country chose her to represent the country. She was nominated by her close friend Chris Eubanks, who is equally proud of Gauff. 

Eubanks expressed that he is extremely fond of Gauff’s skills. “I know how great she is as a tennis player, but more importantly, how great she is as a person,” Eubanks said. “I don’t think there is anyone more deserving of this honor.”  

Coco Gauff breaks an old record at the Olympics

The decision of Team USA to honor Coco Gauff by giving her the opportunity to be the flag bearer for America is not just exciting for Gauff. It has in fact broken some past records that many did not imagine. 

Coco Gauff has now become the youngest player ever to be the flag bearer for America. Earlier, the feat was achieved by Cindy Nelson, the Alpine Skier from the United States, who was just 21 when she was given the honor. Nelson fulfilled the role at the 1976 Innsbruck Winter Games in Austria and it is almost 5 decades later when Gauff will etch a new history in the annals of tennis corridors.

As the tournament inches closer, it will be fascinating to see if Gauff can get boosted by this accolade and gain confidence to win big in Paris.