In a historic moment for both tennis and the Olympic Games, Coco Gauff, the young tennis sensation, has been chosen as the female flag bearer for the United States at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. The announcement was made by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee on Wednesday.

Gauff, who is currently ranked second in the Women's Tennis Association, will join basketball legend LeBron James in leading the American delegation down the River Seine on a boat procession through the heart of Paris during Friday's opening events. The decision to select Gauff and James was made through a vote by their fellow competitors on Team USA.

At just 20 years old, Gauff will become the youngest-ever U.S. flag bearer at an Olympic opening ceremony, surpassing gymnast Simone Biles, who carried the flag at the closing ceremony of the 2016 Rio Olympics when she was 19. In addition, Gauff will be the first tennis player to have the honor of carrying the American flag.

Expressing her excitement, Gauff stated, "I never thought in a million years I would have the honor of carrying the American flag for Team USA in the Opening Ceremony. 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."

Gauff's selection comes after her impressive performance at the French Open last month, where she reached the semifinals. Despite her loss to top-seeded Iga Swiatek, who is also the favorite for the Olympic singles event, Gauff proved her prowess and cemented her status as one of the rising stars in tennis.

This will be Gauff's first Olympic appearance, as she was forced to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 after testing positive for COVID-19. With the Olympics being held at Roland-Garros, the same renowned venue that hosts the French Open, Gauff is eager to make her mark and compete against the world's best on this prestigious stage.

As the world anticipates the start of the Paris Olympics, all eyes will be on Coco Gauff as she leads Team USA during the opening ceremony, setting the tone for what promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent, dedication, and international unity in the world of sports.