"I'm just so happy, I love it" - Serena Williams beams with joy as Coco Gauff becomes flag-bearer for USA at Paris Olympics 2024 with LeBron James

Serena Williams was overjoyed to learn that Coco Gauff will be the flag bearer for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, alongside basketball icon LeBron James. The American is the first tennis player and the youngest athlete ever to carry the USA flag at an Opening Ceremony.

Gauff will make her Olympic debut in the French capital on July 27, teaming up with Jessica Pegula in doubles to face the Australian pair of Daria Saville and Ellen Perez. Her singles campaign will start the following day against Ajla Tomljanovic, and she will also compete in mixed doubles alongside Taylor Fritz.

The reigning US Open champion was visibly stunned when her teammate Christopher Eubanks informed her that she would carry the American flag alongside James.

The news was a delight for Coco Gauff’s supporters—and evidently for her idol Serena Williams as well. While attending the Opening Ceremony with her husband, Alexis Ohanian, and daughter Olympia, Williams expressed to the media how thrilled she was to hear the news.

"It’s amazing. Isn’t that great? I’m so excited to see her tonight. I’m just so happy for her. Oh god, I love it," the 23-time Major champion said.

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Coco Gauff: "Never thought in million years I would have the honor of carrying the American flag for Team USA"

Coco Gauff pictured at the 2024 Paris Olympics (Source: Getty)

Speaking about the honor of carrying the USA flag at the 2024 Paris Olympics with LeBron James, Coco Gauff said she never imagined she would experience such a moment. She conveyed her deep pride and excitement, adding:

"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."

Competing in the Olympics has always been a dream for Gauff. She was on the brink of realizing it at the 2020 Tokyo Games, but missed out due to catching COVID-19. This year in Paris, her dream is coming true.

The American recently penned a letter posted on NBC Olympics, where she reflected on a 'vision note' she had written to her 17-year-old self, writing:

"In your phone, under your vision notes, you wrote that you want to win a medal at the Olympics. Gold, silver, bronze – it doesn’t matter. But you’ve already won, you’ve made your childhood dream of playing at the Olympics, representing the United States, a real reality. And now, finally, you get to enjoy it."