PARIS, France — Tennis star Coco Gauff will join LeBron James as a flag bearer for the U.S. Olympic team at Friday’s opening ceremony.
Gauff, the reigning U.S. Open champion, is set to make her Olympic debut at the Paris Games and will be the first tennis athlete to carry the U.S. flag. She and James were chosen by Team USA athletes.
At a Thursday press conference ahead of the opening ceremony, Gauff touched on a variety of topics listed below:
Playlist songs
Every athlete needs a great warm-up playlist to get them into the zone before a big match. And while Gauff admitted she likes to mix things up, sometimes listening to gospel and other times hitting shuffle on a rap playlist, there's one song she almost always puts into rotation: "Icon" by Jaden Smith.
According to Gauff, the song has been part of her game-time routine for about five years.
Olympic memories
Gauff also touched on how exciting the Olympics has been throughout her life, first catching the games back in 2012 when they were in London. In particular, she mentioned being thrilled watching Serena Williams play tennis and making sure to tune in every year the games are back.
"To be an Olympian, it was a no-brainer for me... I can't wait to compete," she added.
To make the experience extra special, Gauff will have her family cheering her on and getting to experience the opening ceremony Friday night. However, the young tennis star joked she probably will not be able to see them in the stands, though she is thrilled to have them there.
On mental health
When asked about the importance of mental health, Gauff had nothing but glowing things to say about gymnast Simone Biles, who bowed out of competition in Tokyo back in 2021 when she felt she could not perform at her best in her current mental state.
"She was the first athlete for me that I saw step back and take a break for what's best for her," Gauff explained. "I think that shows resistance, that shows strength."
About Opening Ceremony
Finally, Gauff was asked to give a little tease of what viewers can expect during Friday's opening ceremony but she humorously noted she's just as much in the dark as everyone else.
"I'm excited, though... looks like, based on the mock graphics, it's going to be a great experience," she laughed.