Coco Gauff and LeBron James to Lead Team USA at Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony

U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff will be the female flag bearer for the United States at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. She will be joined by four-time NBA champion LeBron James. Gauff is the first U.S. tennis player to carry the flag after missing the Tokyo Olympics due to COVID-19.

U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff will serve as the female flag bearer for the United States at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, the American team announced on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old tennis star, who missed the Tokyo Olympics due to a positive COVID-19 test, will be the first U.S. tennis player to carry the flag. She will share the honor with four-time NBA champion LeBron James.

'I never thought in a million years I would have the honour of carrying the American flag for Team USA in the opening ceremony,' Gauff said in a statement. '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 and James were selected through a vote by their fellow U.S. athletes, according to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland praised Gauff, saying, 'To be nominated by your teammates for this honour speaks volumes about the way in which Coco approaches her sport and her role as a member of Team USA.'

Gauff, currently ranked world number two, stunned the tennis world five years ago by beating her idol Venus Williams in a dream run to the Wimbledon fourth round at just 15 years old. She won her first major title at the U.S. Open last year and is expected to compete in both singles and doubles at the Olympic tennis competition starting July 27 at Roland Garros.

(With inputs from agencies.)