"Happy for her but shouldn't have been Simone Biles or Katie Ledecky?" - Fans react as Coco Gauff announced Team USA's female flag bearer for Olympics

Coco Gauff has been named the U.S. female flag bearer at the Paris Olympic Games' Opening Ceremony on Friday to become the youngest American to achieve the feat. Gauff has been named alongside LeBron James, who will be the male flag bearer on Monday.

With the recognition, Coco Gauff will also be the first ever tennis player from the U.S. to be a flag bearer. The U.S. Olympic team members selected the duo after a vote was held.

Reacting following her nomination, Coco Gauff noted that she never thought she would be honored with such a huge role. She added that teaming up with legendary basketballer Lebron was a dream come true.

Gauff told NBC:

"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," she added.

However, fans have expressed differing reactions to the post on X by NBC sharing the news of her selection for the top role. Some fans noted that the selection panel could have chosen either Simone Biles or Cate Ledecky to do the honors.

Other fans have come out to congratulate Coco Gauff for her achievement, noting that she deserves the achievement.

One said:

"Happy for her, but shouldn’t have been Ledecky or Biles?"

"Katie Ledecky," another added.

"This is awesome and deserved!!!! Yay Coco!!! 👏🏾👏🏾," a fan said.

Here are more reactions from fans concerning her nomination.

"Amazing choice! So happy for her! 🥰," one fan said.

"No doubt a complicated calendar with its events, but for the United States I would have loved Simone Biles so much!" another wrote.

"What an honor for Coco 😭😊," a third fan noted.

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Coco Gauff opens up on drawing inspiration from Serena Williams as she prepares for Olympic debut

Tennis sensation Coco Gauff has shared an emotional letter penned to her 17-year-old self, highlighting that one of the most important things that happened to her was becoming friends with her mentor Serena Williams.

Coco Gauff at Wimbledon 2024 - Getty Images

Coco Gauff noted that Williams was just a stranger to her at some point but the sport brought them together and she seeks to emulate her record-breaking performances and impact the sport positively.

Gauff said in the letter shared by NBC:

"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," she added.

Coco Gauff now makes her Olympic debut in Paris, hopeful of making an impact with her stunning performances that have seen her earn a name for herself. At 20, Gauff has achieved a lot, including being ranked second in the world in singles. Last year, she won Grand Slam titles in singles and doubles.

Gauff also became the second youngest American to win a Grand Slam singles title. Serena Williams was the first to ever do it, at 17, as she claimed her first title in 1999.