PARIS — Tennis star Coco Gauff will carry the American flag for the U.S. Olympic team during Friday night's Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympics, making the 20-year-old the youngest flag bearer in U.S. Olympic history.

Gauff, the reigning U.S. Open singles champion, joins LeBron James as the two flag bearers who will lead the U.S. delegation in a first-of-its-kind ceremony in boats parading down the Seine River. Both Gauff and James earned the honor via a vote by their fellow U.S. Olympians.

“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 released by the USOPC. “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 — at a moment where we can bring athletes and fans together from around the world.”

Whereas James is a soon-to-be-four-time Olympian who guided the U.S. men’s basketball team to gold medals in 2008 and 2012, Gauff will be making her Olympic debut in Paris. She made the U.S. Olympic team in Tokyo three years ago but had to withdraw five days before the opening ceremony after testing positive for COVID-19.

Since then, Gauff has blossomed into one of the world’s best tennis players. She enters the Olympics ranked a career-best No. 2 in the WTA singles ratings.

“I’m incredibly proud of Coco. I know how great she is as a tennis player, but more importantly, how great she is as a person,” said Chris Eubanks, a fellow American tennis player and friend who nominated Gauff. “I don't think there is anyone more deserving of this honor and I'm excited to see her carry the flag as she leads our U.S. delegation in the Opening Ceremony.”