Emotional Coco Gauff visibly shocked at Olympic honour as Terence Crawford sends message to Team USA star
The reigning US Open champion and world no. 2 tennis ace was selected to be the women’s flag bearer, making her the first tennis player to earn the honor for Team USA.
Gauff will join NBA superstar LeBron James as the opening ceremony flag bearers for Team USA, who have combined youth and experience. When Gauff was born in March 2004, James was 62 games into his rookie NBA season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The pair were selected to lead the US delegation into the Games in a vote of fellow athletes, conducted by Team USA’s athletes’ commission.
Gauff will be creating history when she steps out at the Olympics Ceremony as she will be the youngest American flag bearer in Olympic history (20 years).
She will break the record of youngest US Opening Ceremony flag bearer held by Cindy Nelson (an Alpine skier at the 1976 Winter Games).
A tearful Gauff found out about the news from fellow tennis pro Chris Eubanks.
Video footage captured her stunned reaction to being named a US Olympics flagbearer.
“I never thought in a million years I would have the honor of carrying the American flag for Team USA in the Opening Ceremony,” Gauff said.
“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 – at a moment where we can bring athletes and fans together from around the world.”
Reacting to the news on Instagram was unbeaten, multiple weight world boxing champion Terence Crawford.
“Let’s go, Coco,” he commented of the video posted by Team USA.
It comes after Gauff, the second seed at the Paris Games, penned an emotional open letter to her 17-year-old self reflecting on her heartbreak before the delayed 2020 Games in Tokyo.
Unfortunately, she missed the tournament in 2020 after testing positive for COVID just days before she was due to fly to Japan.
“Your eyes don’t deceive you – that’s a positive COVID-19 test. The next one you take will be positive too, as will the third. It’s official – you have COVID, and it’s ruining all your big plans,” the letter on the NBC Olympics website states.
“You have your bags packed, a plane ticket purchased and a coveted spot at the greatest athletic event in the world, the Olympic Games. Now that lifelong dream of becoming an Olympian will be delayed and you’re devastated.
“Behind a stream of tears, you’re going to wonder how you’ll ever be able to break the news to your team captain. Your teammates and friends will have to contend on behalf of your country without you.
“With a new day though, you’ll have a new attitude. What else can you do? While your Olympic goal is seemingly on hold, people around the globe are in crises, battling COVID, with real pressure, real hardship and real-life struggles. You’re just missing a big tournament.”
The world No. 2 also paid homage to her idol Serena Williams, saying she is determined to uphold the 24-time Grand Slam winner’s Olympics legacy while continuing to break barriers.
She added: “It’s always been an honor to represent the United States. As a member of the U.S. Billie Jean King Cup team, you will rally for the red, white and blue throughout your career, a distinct privilege you will enjoy.
“While tennis is an individual sport, you relish the relationships with your teammates. You’ve been lucky enough that your on-court relationships have turned into off-court friendships. One of those notable friendships is with your idol, Serena Williams.
“Serena was once just a stranger printed on a poster hanging in your room, and now you still can’t believe she’s a friend and mentor. Her profound impact on tennis, what it means to be a champion and to break barriers is a legacy you hope to uphold and carry with you into your first Olympic Games.
“So, I’ll spoil the story for you – you do get to finally play at your first Olympic Games in Paris. The excitement is overwhelming. You can’t wait to travel with your teammates, to take on the Olympic tennis tournament and hopefully increase the United States’ medal count that you continually check each Olympics.”
The Paris Olympics are scheduled to start on Friday, July 26.
The draw for tennis at this year’s games will be made on the Thursday before.
Gauff is taking part in the Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles and is likely to be in the Mixed Doubles, meaning she should have three chances to win a medal.
The youngster first burst onto the tennis scene after beating Venus Williams at Wimbledon as a 15-year-old.
Gauff has steadily climbed up the WTA rankings ever since and is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world.
She captured her maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open last year and won her first Grand Slam doubles title with partner Katerina Siniaková at the 2024 French Open.
The Olympic tennis event will be played on the famous clay courts of Roland-Garros – the exact site of Gauff’s recent doubles success.
She’ll be hoping that’s a positive omen ahead of her gold medal bid.
