Imagine this: You’ve just started a new job, barely a few months in, and you’re still figuring out the lay of the land. Suddenly, you walk into one of the most important team meetings, and you’re handed the responsibility of leading the team. Sounds crazy, right? Most people would laugh and say, “No way!” But this is precisely the kind of destiny that seems to have been written for the rising American tennis star, Coco Gauff.

The American sensation is a rookie when it comes to the Olympic games. She failed to play the last edition of the tournament in Tokyo after contracting Covid-19. But as she walks up for her first Olympic games, she has been given the magnanimous responsibility of bearing the US flag. Gauff will become the first-ever tennis player to be honored with this gesture as she is all set to surpass the likes of Serena and Venus Williams. Besides, the 20-year-old is the youngest as well to be given this honor, which was previously held by Alpine Skier Cindy Nelson. And, receiving this opportunity is no small feat for Gauff.

The World No. 2 engaged in an interview with Today and let her true feelings out. She said, “It made me cry actually. I didn’t wanna cry in front of my teammates when Chris told me.” For the unversed, Gauff was selected univocally by the US Team and was nominated by her close friend Chris Eubanks. But despite attempting to hold her tears, the American star finally gave it in. “But when I called my mom I started crying, um, because I think it’s even more special that so many incredible people just think that I am worthy of it. It means a lot.” 

Coco Gauff will be accompanied by legendary basketball player LeBron James as the duo will bear the American flag on Monday. Gauff, who has been excited for her maiden Olympics, was also surprised to get the news, per Team USA’s statement. 

“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 the joy of her team. “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.” But, despite the grand honor, the path is not easy for Coco Gauff at the Paris Olympics. 

Can Coco Gauff end her wavering tennis run at the Olympics?

Coco Gauff has been witnessing ups and downs in her career recently. She failed to overcome the Iga Swiatek challenge in the French Open semi-finals this year. But despite this, she ensured to lift the doubles title at Roland Garros with Katerina Siniakova. But since then, her play has been up and down.

Gauff lost to Jessica Pegula in the eco-trans Berlin Open in the semifinals. She again lost to another compatriot, Emma Navarro in the fourth round of Wimbledon. These defeats must have hampered her confidence. And with Iga Swiatek, who can rightly be called the “Princess of Clay,” once again competing at the Olympics, which will be played on the same clay courts at Roland Garros where the Pole has won four titles, Gauff’s campaign will not be easy. And to increase her stress, her head-to-head tally of 1 against 11, is already worrisome.

As the tournament inches closer, it will be interesting to see if honors like these boost Coco Gauff’s confidence and help her win big in Paris.