Gauff, Kovinic and Svitolina lead countries as bearers of the flag of Paris

Three years after missing the Tokyo Olympics due to a case of COVID-19, Coco Gauff will be the United States’ female flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on Friday.

The 20-year-old, who is ranked No. 2 on the Hologic WTA Tour, will join four-time NBA champion LeBron James, the U.S. team announced Wednesday. Gauff will be the first American tennis player to carry the flag during the festivities that will take place along the Seine River in the city center.

“I never thought I would have the honor of carrying the American flag for Team USA during the Opening Ceremony,” Gauff said in a statement. “I couldn’t be prouder to lead my teammates with LeBron as we demonstrate our dedication and passion on the biggest stage there is.”

A big part of that pride may be because the selection was made by a vote of the 593 athletes representing the United States in Paris, as was emphasized in remarks by Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

“Being nominated for this honor by your teammates speaks volumes about Coco’s approach to her sport and her role as a member of Team USA,” said Hirshland.

Since missing the Tokyo Games (she had packed her bags and was just days away from flying out of her home in Florida), Gauff has spoken openly about her excitement for Paris and the familiar tennis venue of Roland Garros.

“I called my mom and started crying,” Gauff said in an interview with NBC. “There are so many people more deserving of it than me. It’s truly an honor.”

The announcement came as fellow American tennis player Chris Eubanks presented Gauff with a special white jacket to wear during the opening ceremony.

Gauff, the No. 2 singles player, hopes to avenge her semifinal loss to No. 1 Iga Swiatek. She will also be the No. 1 doubles player with longtime partner Jessica Pegula. Reigning US Open champion Gauff will play mixed doubles with Taylor Fritz.

Gauff becomes the youngest American flag bearer in Olympic history, surpassing alpine skier Cindy Nelson, who achieved the honor at the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria.

In addition, Danka Kovinic from Montenegro and Elina Svitolina from Ukraine will represent the WTA as their country’s female flag bearers.

The match starts on Saturday.