Tennis

Coco Gauff, the 20-year-old tennis prodigy, has been bestowed with the prestigious honor of being the female flag bearer for Team USA at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. This historic moment marks the first time an American tennis player has been entrusted with this responsibility, and Gauff becomes the youngest athlete ever to carry the flag.Gauff's selection as flag bearer is a testament to her remarkable achievements on and off the court. She has established herself as one of the most promising young stars in tennis, reaching the quarterfinals of the French Open and Wimbledon in 2022. Beyond her athletic prowess, Gauff is known for her maturity, poise, and commitment to social justice.The flag bearer ceremony will take place on Friday during the Opening Ceremony in Paris. Gauff will lead the nearly 600 U.S. athletes, staff, and dignitaries in the traditional parade of nations, which will be held on boats floating down the Seine River. She will stand alongside basketball legend LeBron James, who was selected as the male flag bearer.Gauff's selection was made through a vote led by the Team USA Athletes' Commission. Her fellow first-time tennis Olympian, Chris Eubanks, nominated her, describing her as his "little sister" and praising her character and accomplishments.Other notable tennis players who have carried the flag for their countries include Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova, and Caroline Wozniacki. In 2024, Chile's Nicolas Jarry will serve as the male flag bearer for his country.Gauff's Olympic debut is highly anticipated, and her role as flag bearer adds an extra layer of significance to her journey. She is expected to compete in both singles and doubles events, aiming to make history and inspire a new generation of athletes.

Team USA's Olympic Uniforms: A Stylish Display of American PrideAs the Olympic Games approach, Team USA's athletes are not only preparing for competition but also making a fashion statement with their stylish new uniforms. Led by tennis stars Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz, the American contingent has arrived in the Olympic Village sporting a range of outfits designed by Ralph Lauren, the official outfitter of Team USA for the ninth consecutive year.For the Opening Ceremony, athletes will don navy blazers and jeans, a classic and sophisticated look that embodies the spirit of American style. However, it's the Closing Ceremony outfits that have captured the attention of tennis fans. Gauff, Tommy Paul, and Emma Navarro have shared sneak peeks of an all-white ensemble that evokes the thrill of NASCAR racing.The white moto-inspired jacket, crafted in New York City from US-grown cotton, features a stand-up collar, snap buttons, and "Team USA" patches reminiscent of sponsor logos. Matching white denim moto-pants, a polo shirt, socks, and a red, white, and blue cap complete the look."Our team is dedicated to showcasing the best of American tailoring," said Gabrielle Ferrara, COO of Ferrara Manufacturing, which assembled and manufactured the racing jacket. "So much care and attention to detail goes into those garments, and they truly are an amazing representation of American craftsmanship on the world stage."In addition to the Opening and Closing Ceremony outfits, Ralph Lauren's Team USA collection includes a cozy "Villagewear" set for casual lounging. All garments are proudly made in American factories, highlighting the brand's commitment to domestic production.Gauff and Fritz, the top-ranked Americans in Paris, will lead Team USA's charge for gold medals. The singles competition begins on Saturday, July 27, at Roland Garros. The men's team is coached by 2012 Olympic doubles gold medalist Bob Bryan, while the women are guided by Kathy Rinaldi, the USTA's head of women's tennis.

Olympic Tennis: Team USA Prepares for Paris Games on ClayAs the Wimbledon Championships conclude, attention shifts to the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, where tennis will be played on clay at Roland Garros. Team USA is preparing for the challenge, led by singles players Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul.Bob Bryan, the men's Olympic tennis coach and Davis Cup captain, discussed the team's goals and expectations. "We're focused on getting the guys ready to do their best and try to win a medal," Bryan said. "It's challenging, but our guys are dangerous on anything."Bryan emphasized the importance of embracing the Olympic experience. "I would say enjoy it, soak it up," he advised the players. "Take the blinders off and meet all the other athletes. Hear their stories and do the pin trading."Despite the absence of Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe, Bryan expressed support for their decisions. "Everyone's got their personal journey and individual goals for the season," he said. "I understand where they are coming from."Bryan shared memorable experiences from his own Olympic career, including meeting Kobe Bryant and LeBron James in Beijing. "Just being around such greatness was inspiring," he said. "Winning the gold in London was the pinnacle of our career."The team's preparation includes a decision on whether to stay in the Olympic village or a hotel. "We have an option to stay at a nice hotel, but some of the older players might prefer better sleep," Bryan said. "We'll see who decides to participate in the opening ceremonies."Bryan expressed excitement for the upcoming Games. "There's nothing like the Olympic energy," he said. "I believe in our guys and think we have some great chances to win some hardware for the U.S."

Team USA's dominance continued on Day 2 of their Billie Jean King Cup Qualifier against Belgium, securing a 4-0 sweep to advance to the 12-nation Finals in Seville, Spain.Jessica Pegula, ranked No. 5 in the world, showcased her prowess against Hanne Vanderwinkel, winning 6-2, 6-0 in just 51 minutes. The favorable weather conditions played to Pegula's advantage, and her victory clinched the tie for Team USA.Vanderwinkel, making her BJK Cup debut, faced a daunting task against Pegula, who proved to be too strong. Despite a quick turnaround from her three-set loss on Day 1, Vanderwinkel acknowledged Pegula's exceptional level of play.In the dead fourth rubber, Taylor Townsend and Caroline Dolehide made quick work of Marie Benoit and Kimberley Zimmerman, 6-3, 6-1. Dolehide replaced Madison Keys in the original lineup, adding depth to Team USA's roster.Captain Lindsay Davenport expressed her satisfaction with the team's performance, particularly their ability to come together and support each other. She praised the Belgian teenagers for their spirited play on Day 1, recalling her own experience facing Belgium in the 2000 Fed Cup title match.Davenport's leadership and guidance have been instrumental in Team USA's success. The players have embraced her mentorship, eager to learn from her Hall of Fame experience.Team USA joins Australia, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia as qualifiers for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. Defending champion Canada, runner-up Italy, host nation Spain, and wild card entry Czech Republic have automatic byes to the final.