WTA Star Coco Gauff Makes LeBron James Admission Amid French Open

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Madz Dizon | Last updated May 30, 2025 9:56 PM ET

World No. 2 Coco Gauff may be one of the top tennis players in the world, but even champions have fan moments.

During an interview at Roland-Garros, Gauff opened up about the time she met NBA legend LeBron James and she couldn’t help but feel starstruck.

While speaking with former tennis pro John Isner during the 2025 French Open, Gauff recalled the unforgettable moment when she met James for the first time at the Olympic Games.

The 20-year-old tennis star and reigning US Open champion was selected as Team USA’s female flag bearer alongside LeBron James last year in Paris, making history as the first American tennis player to lead the team during the Opening Ceremony. The interview was shared by Bleacher Report on Instagram.

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“He walked in all super cool with his shades on,” Gauff said, describing James’ entrance. “And I'm standing there waiting. And I had played it cool. He was like, ‘Nice to meet you,’ and I was like, ‘Nice to meet you too.’”

But it didn’t take long for her inner fan to surface.

“I’m like looking at Tommy Paul and Jess Pegula, and then I’m like, ‘Oh my God, LeBron James is here,’” she said. “And I just kept saying, ‘He's so tall.’”

James, ever humble, replied, “I’m not that tall.”

Still, Gauff couldn’t shake the feeling of awe. “I was like, ‘Okay, but you're a massive dude,’” she added with a laugh.

As she continues her run at the French Open, Gauff is showing fans she's not just a star athlete, but also someone who still gets nervous meeting her heroes, just like everyone else.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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