Coco Gauff's parents knew she’d be Olympic Flag Bearer before she did: “I have no clue. I wish I knew”

Coco Gauff's parents knew she would be the flag bearer at the Olympic Games even before the 2023 US Open champion herself. The American No. 1 was informed two days ago that she would represent her country at the opening ceremony of Paris 2024 alongside basketball player LeBron James.

The 20-year-old player recently revealed during a press conference that her parents, Candi and Corey, knew she would be the flag bearer even before she did: "They knew the news before me, which, I thought I was gonna surprise them on the phone, and [my mom] was like, 'Yeah, I already knew,'" Gauff said.

The world No. 2 will seek a medal for the USA at Stade Roland Garros, where she has already played a final back in 2022, though she finished as runner-up after losing to Iga Swiatek, who will be the main favorite in the female draw. Nonetheless, Gauff will have the support of her parents in Paris, who traveled to accompany their 20-year-old daughter: “I'm glad that they'll be able to come and be here. I know they're excited."

Although Gauff received the news that she would be the flag bearer on July 24, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee informed her family beforehand, as they needed their names for security purposes before July 23. The presence of Gauff's parents in Paris was a surprise planned in the last few days: “I was very emotional when I was talking to my mom about it,” Gauff said.

“I wanted to cry when I found out, but my whole team was there, so I went in the corner and did it. I truly am shocked, and I don't take it for granted, and I am going to try and take it all in, and I know this will be a memory I will remember for the rest of my life,” she added.

“I have no idea what we’re supposed to do,” she said with a laugh at the press conference. “The only thing I know is the jacket and I only know that because they showed it to me. I have no clue. I wish I knew!... But I’m sure they’re going to set me up tomorrow at least, and I’m excited to be on the Seine.”

Gauff also mentioned that she is 'a little concerned' about the height difference between her (5’9’’/1.77 m) and LeBron James (6’9’’/2.06 m). Additionally, Gauff commented that she is not sure what she has to do as a flag bearer: "Is my arm going to be up here while he's holding it? I don't know. I thought it was two separate flags when I was looking at a picture. They hold it together, so I don't really know," Gauff added.