“Could not be more proud,” Coco Gauff said as she was named the female flag-bearer of the United States contingent for the 2024 Paris Olympics. She, along with LeBron James, will lead the ever-strong American team which has many champion athletes. Despite boasting stars like Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky, Gauff was chosen ahead of them to be the flag-bearer in the opening ceremony to be held tomorrow. Shortly after Gauff’s name was announced in this matter, tennis had another legendary representative in charge of this duty.

Hours ago, Elina Svitolina was named the flag-bearer of the Ukrainian contingent. The 29-year-old has been on the tour for long and won many laurels for her country. Svitolina, who has spoken widely about the troubles back home due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, was proud to have been assigned this duty.

During an interview shortly after being announced as Ukraine’s flag-bearer, Svitolina revealed, “At such a difficult time right now for my country it’s such a huge honour for me to represent my country. To be among so many great Ukrainian athletes, it’s always been such a privilege to represent Ukraine.”

Earlier today, the tennis draw for the Olympics was released and Svitolina was among the five tennis stars to have attended the draw ceremony at Roland Garros. Further, she went on to add, “It’s a huge motivation for me to play well, to compete, to really fight for the wins towards a medal, to finally know I could have this moment to win the first gold medal in tennis for Ukraine.”

Svitolina is in the bottom half of the draw and will face Moyuka Uchijima of Japan in the opening round. She will have her task cut out with a potential second-round clash against Jessica Pegula, the fifth seed. Despite a difficult draw, Svitolina is over the moon to represent her country on the sporting world’s biggest stage. Like Svitolina, Gauff too couldn’t control her emotions when Chris Eubanks made the announcement.

Coco Gauff motivated more than ever before at the Paris Olympics

In the previous Olympics edition in Tokyo, Gauff had to withdraw at the last minute after testing positive for COVID-19. However, the American sensation is all set to make her debut at the Olympics and was thrilled to be announced as the American team’s flag-bearer.

She said, “I never thought in a million years I would have the honour 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.”

Gauff is the second seed at the tournament and one of the favorites to clinch the gold medal for her country. She will be hoping for no less than that as expectations rise after her flag-bearer role. Gauff will open her campaign against Ajla Tomljanović of Australia, who could prove to be a tricky opponent.