The greatest sports event is about to begin in a few hours. Athletes are donning their official attires to sail on the River Seine, as the onlookers greet them with the Paris fervor. The city of joy or the city of love, both descriptions seem to be merging as they welcome the Parisians’ welcome the world with open arms. And among the greatest of the sports is one 20-year-old youngster, Coco Gauff, looking to leave her mark. While the debut Olympics could lead to some pressure, Gauff has her supportive teammates, including Jessica Pegula, as they stand beside her as she navigates through the new path.

It’s not just about carrying your country’s flag with utmost dignity at the Opening ceremony of the Olympics. The announcement means much more; it means that the players are the symbol of hope for the nation, as they walk in front while the whole contingent follows. And when Chris Eubanks made the announcement that Gauff would be one of the Flag bearers, the whole tennis team was celebrating, as for the first time a tennis player would be at the helm, and that too the youngest one.

Post the announcement, the whole tennis team USA was present for an interview when they were asked about Gauff’s recent feat: youngest flag bearer. And Jessica Pegula was all hearts as she shared Gauff’s growth journey over the last year or so in just a few yet effective words. “We have obviously spent a lot of time together in the last few years, and I think she has really matured over a year ago, or more I think.” Rightly so, the 20-year-old has grown manifolds not just by winning the US Open, but her maturity has also peaked.

Gauff is not just a tennis player, she is seen as the heir apparent to carry on the deep and strong legacy left behind by the Williams sisters. But that didn’t dent the playful spirit in her. And nobody can explain it better than the words used by Pegula, “And has really embraced her star power kind off, but at the same time she’s just a kid, it’s so funny. She was super surprised, and it’s really cool to share that moment with her.”

Now, this will be Gauff’s debut at the Olympics, while she won her first Grand Slam last year in Flushing Meadows. Most tennis players might be expected to choose a Grand Slam over the quadrennial event, but Gauff is doing it slightly differently. While she is busy in Paris, relishing in the golden moment with her teammates, she evaded a tricky question with utmost cleverness!

Coco Gauff escapes a controversy as she puts Olympics at this place in her list

When Rafael Nadal declared the Olympics gold won at the Beijing Olympics topped winning a Grand Slam, he triggered a major controversy as many tennis fans put the Grand Slam over everything. However, when Gauff was directly questioned about the positioning of Grand Slam and Olympics, she made sure not to go Nadal’s way.

She said, ““I would say sure, singles Grand Slam is number 1 thing/ goals. Actually, I would pick the Olympics medal for me personally over number 1 ranking. At least a gold medal. I don’t know about silver or bronze.” And these made to the top 3 goals of her tennis list. While the doubles Grand Slam made it to the 4th spot.

However, the standing is subjective to the player’s view. However, Gauff’s priority would certainly keep her away from the negative light. Moreover, Pegula certainly said it right, Gauff has grown over the last year!