Even before she competed in her first tennis match of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Coco Gauff had a jam-packed first few days.

The news stunned the world No. 2 and reigning US Open champion the moment she heard it from her tennis partner and close friend Christopher Eubanks that she had been chosen to serve as Team USA’s co-flagbearer with NBA legend LeBron James.

“No words truly,” Gauff captioned the photo of herself with James on social media after leading the Americans’ barge during the historic ceremony. She continued to be rendered speechless after the event.

Finally, she said, “What an honour”

Olympic gold medalists were quick to respond, with gymnast Suni Lee tweeting “you’re the coolest” and skier Mikaela Shiffrin adding “Yesssssss.”

Joined by her longtime partner Jessica Pegula, Gauff officially began her Olympic campaign on Saturday, July 27, on the doubles court. In just seventy-three minutes of play, they defeated the Australian doubles team of Ellen Perez and Daria Saville, 6-3, 6-1.

The Australian Ajla Tomljanovic, who was formerly rated as high as No. 32 in the world but has been out with a series of injuries, will be Gauff’s opponent in Sunday’s (28 July) singles opener.

The player who defeated Serena Williams in the 2022 US Open final was Tomljanovic.