Coco Gauff set to make history at Olympic opening ceremony

James' selection was a historic one for the Americans, as he became the first male basketball player to be selected as a flag bearer.

Gauff will make history in multiple ways on Friday, becoming the first tennis player and youngest Team USA athlete to be chosen for the honor. The 2023 U.S. Open champion turned 20 in March and the previous record was held by alpine skier Cindy Nelson, who was 21 years old when she served as a flag bearer at the 1976 Innsbruck Winter Games in Austria.

Gauff will be competing in women's singles, doubles and mixed doubles. She'll play alongside world No. 6 Jessica Pegula in women's doubles and men's No. 11 Taylor Fritz in the mixed competition.

The honor marks a miraculous turnaround for Gauff, after she was forced to miss the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 due to a positive COVID test.

"I never thought in a million years I would have the honor of carrying the American flag for Team USA in the opening ceremony," Gauff said in a statement, according to an ESPN and Reuters report. "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."