Coco Gauff Makes History, Selected as USA’s First Tennis Olympic Flag Bearer

Coco Gauff makes history as the first Team USA flag bearer to represent the sport of tennis. Gauff is also the youngest Olympic opening ceremony flag bearer in US history.

Team USA posted on Instagram in collaboration with the US Open, USTA, NBC Olympics, and Coco Gauff, showing Chris Eubanks surprising Gauff with the news.

“So obviously I think most of you guys know Coco and I have been really close, from a really young age. I’ve got to see this girl grow up,” Eubanks shared.

“Your year last year was incredible. You obviously captured the world by storm, you captured your first Grand Slam. Because you are so special, you have the honor of wearing this jacket during the opening ceremony and being a flag bearer with LeBron James,” he continued.

Gauff gained popularity after making history as the youngest woman, at only 15 years old, to qualify for the Wimbledon Championships.

Since then, she has experienced wins and losses in her career. In 2020, Gauff lost during the first round of the U.S. Open. After that setback, she wrote herself a letter and set a goal to play in this year’s Olympics.

In an interview, Gauff explained, “Yeah I knew in 2020, when I had that let down. I knew I was going to work and do everything I can to be here in Paris. And it’s crazy how you know some of the darkest moments in your life can prep you for the biggest one.”

Since then, Gauff has won her first Grand Slam at the US Open Women’s Singles, maintained her title as champion at the ASB Classic in Auckland for the second time, and more. Now, she is preparing to compete in the Olympics.

The Grand Slam champion explained that she never would have predicted being a flag bearer at her first Olympics. “You know, I usually have goals,” Gauff shared. “I believe I can do certain things. And I definitely would never have believed or predicted that I could do this.”

The 20-year-old will represent Team USA alongside basketball player LeBron James, who was announced as a flag bearer on July 22.

Watch Gauff and James carry the flags on July 26 at 7:30 p.m. EST on NBC or Peacock.