Coco Gauff named Team USA's female flagbearer for Paris Olympics opening ceremony

Tennis prima Coco Gauff will beryllium nan female flagbearer for nan United States astatine nan Paris Olympics opening ceremonial connected Friday. 

The US Open champion joins four-time NBA champion LeBron James arsenic nan stars of Team USA.

The 20-year-old Gauff will beryllium nan first American tennis subordinate to transportation nan flag, 3 years aft she was forced to miss nan Tokyo Olympics erstwhile she tested affirmative for Covid.

'I ne'er thought successful a cardinal years I would person nan honour of carrying nan American emblem for Team USA successful nan opening ceremony,' Gauff said successful a statement.

'I could not beryllium much proud to lead my teammates pinch LeBron arsenic we showcase our dedication and passion connected nan biggest shape location is.'

Gauff and James earned their selections done a ballot of their chap US athletes.

'To beryllium nominated by your teammates for this grant speaks volumes astir nan measurement successful which Coco approaches her athletics and her domiciled arsenic a personnel of Team USA,' USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland said.

The tennis world number 2 Gauff exploded onto nan world shape 5 years agone erstwhile she hit her idol, Venus Williams, successful a dream tally to nan Wimbledon 4th information erstwhile she was conscionable 15-years-old.

She clinched her maiden awesome title astatine nan US Open past year.

Gauff is expected to compete successful some nan singles and doubles connected nan clay courts astatine Roland Garros, erstwhile nan Olympic tennis title originates connected July 27.