Coco Gauff is set to make history as the first tennis player to act as Team USA’s flag bearer alongside LeBron James at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. This milestone achievement comes as Gauff, 20, is currently ranked as the world No. 2 and holds the title of defending U.S. Open champion. Additionally, she will become the youngest American flag bearer in Olympic history, surpassing Cindy Nelson who held the role at the 1976 Innsbruck Winter Games in Austria.
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How does Coco Gauff solve a problem like Iga Swiatek?
Gauff will be representing Team USA in the women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events, partnering with world No. 6 Jessica Pegula in the women’s doubles and men’s No. 11 Taylor Fritz in the mixed doubles. Although she was initially selected to compete in the Tokyo Games, Gauff had to withdraw due to a COVID-19 diagnosis in 2021.
I just want to say thank you to my fellow Team USA Olympians/athletes for voting and choosing me for this incredible honor to be the flag bearer for the opening ceremony ❤️. Thank you so much. I am incredibly honored. 🥹🇺🇸
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) July 24, 2024
The frontrunner for the singles title is Iga Swiatek, currently ranked as world No. 1 and the winner of the last three French Open titles at Stade Roland Garros in Paris, where the Olympic tennis events will be held. Swiatek holds an 11-1 head-to-head record against Gauff, including a recent victory in the semifinals of the French Open earlier this year.
Despite this, Gauff remains determined to challenge Swiatek during the Olympics, especially after her victory in the women’s doubles event at the French Open with partner Katerina Siniakova. Siniakova, in turn, will play alongside Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova in the upcoming mixed doubles event.
The draws for the tennis events are scheduled to take place Thursday at 11 a.m. in Paris/5 a.m. ET.
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(Photo: Clive Brunskill / Getty Images)
## Conclusion:
As the anticipation builds for the 2024 Paris Olympics, all eyes are on Coco Gauff as she prepares to make history as Team USA’s flag bearer. With her impressive achievements on the court and her unwavering determination to compete at the highest level, Gauff is poised to leave a lasting mark on the world of tennis and the Olympic Games. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting moments from the 2024 Paris Olympics!
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