Coco Gauff Named First American Tennis Player to Carry U.S. Flag at Olympics

Coco Gauff Named First American Tennis Player to Carry U.S. Flag at Olympics

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.

Kendrick Lamar Sweeps Tennis World, Wins Support from Top Players

Kendrick Lamar Sweeps Tennis World, Wins Support from Top Players

Kendrick Lamar Dominates Tennis World, Sweeps Support from Top Players

In a stunning turn of events, Kendrick Lamar has emerged as the undisputed champion of the tennis world, sweeping the support of top players in a best-of-three blowout. Iga Swiatek, the reigning world number one, has become the latest star to throw her weight behind the rapper in his feud with Drake.

Swiatek, known for her outspoken opinions on Taylor Swift’s music, admitted to being a “lyric kind of girl” and praised Kendrick’s complex and meaningful lyrics. “I’m going to go this way,” she declared, aligning herself with Team Kendrick.

Swiatek joins Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff, who have both been vocal in their support for Kendrick. Osaka hailed his latest song as “amazing” and credited it with boosting her confidence on the court. Gauff, citing Kendrick’s defense of Serena Williams in his lyrics, stated, “I have to go with him.”

The absence of any Drake supporters at the Foro Italico suggests that Kendrick has gained overwhelming support within the tennis community. His lyrics, which often explore themes of social justice and empowerment, have resonated with players who share his values.

Kendrick’s victory in the tennis world is a testament to his lyrical prowess and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. As the feud with Drake continues to dominate headlines, it is clear that Kendrick has emerged as a cultural icon, transcending the boundaries of music and inspiring support from even the most unexpected corners.

Tennis Stars Gauff and Osaka Back Kendrick Lamar in Drake Feud

Tennis Stars Gauff and Osaka Back Kendrick Lamar in Drake Feud

Tennis Stars Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka Join Kendrick Lamar’s Camp in Drake Feud

ROME, Italy – The ongoing feud between rap icons Kendrick Lamar and Drake has taken a new turn, with tennis stars Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka aligning themselves with Lamar.

Gauff, after winning her opening match at the Internazionali BNL d’italia, echoed Osaka’s sentiments expressed earlier in the week. “I like Kendrick’s songs more,” she said. “I think pretty much everybody I know is leaning towards him.”

Gauff praised Lamar’s defense of Serena Williams, who was rumored to have dated Drake and was targeted in his 2022 track. “Drake dissed Serena, so I have to go with Kendrick,” she said. “He defended her.”

The feud between Lamar and Drake has been simmering for years, with both artists releasing diss tracks and engaging in lyrical battles. Lamar’s recent track “Not Like Us” included a warning to Drake to “not speak on Serena.”

Drake responded with “The Heart Part 6,” but the beef appears to be on hold for now. However, if the New York Times Popcast is seeking music criticism from elite athletes, Gauff and Osaka have emerged as unlikely but insightful commentators.

Gauff’s support for Lamar is particularly notable given her close relationship with Osaka, who has been a vocal supporter of Drake in the past. However, Osaka’s recent comments suggest that she may be reconsidering her stance.

The feud between Lamar and Drake has captivated the music world and beyond, and the involvement of Gauff and Osaka adds a new dimension to the rivalry. As the tennis stars continue to compete in Rome, their opinions on the rap battle are sure to be closely followed.

Coco Gauff Reflects on Nadal's Farewell, Admires His Intensity and Grace

Coco Gauff Reflects on Nadal’s Farewell, Admires His Intensity and Grace

Rafael Nadal’s farewell appearance at the Mutua Madrid Open was a poignant moment, marking the twilight of his illustrious career. Coco Gauff, a rising star in the tennis world, witnessed the tribute and was struck by the realization that Nadal’s time on tour is drawing to a close.

Gauff has long admired Nadal’s unwavering determination and intensity on the court. “He’s probably the only player that when I practice on the court next to him, I would literally zone out of my practice to watch him,” she said. “His mentality and intensity is something I admire.”

Beyond his on-court prowess, Gauff appreciates Nadal’s graciousness and humility. “He’s a very nice person,” she recalled. “I remember last year at Roland Garros, he touched me on the back and said, ‘Hi, good job.’ I didn’t respond like till 20 tiles already down the stairs because I couldn’t believe he spoke to me.”

As Gauff prepares for the upcoming French Open, she is focused on improving her consistency and reducing her double-fault count. “Last week, even though I lost 6-4 in the third, (I had) like 14 double-faults,” she said. “I feel if I’m still close in these matches against Madi, who is like a top player, I think I just fix that detail, it will save me and maybe those matches would turn into winning in straight sets instead of losing in three sets.”

Gauff’s journey at the Internazionali BNL D’italia begins against the winner of Magdalena Frech and Ashlyn Krueger. As she navigates the tournament, she will carry with her the inspiration and lessons learned from Rafael Nadal, a true legend of the sport.

WTA Rome: Swiatek, Rybakina, Gauff, Sabalenka Set for Clay Court Clash

WTA Rome: Swiatek, Rybakina, Gauff, Sabalenka Set for Clay Court Clash

The WTA tour shifts its focus to Rome for the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, where the world’s top players will vie for the title on the iconic red clay of the Foro Italico. After a thrilling Madrid Open, the women’s draw in Rome promises more captivating matches and potential upsets.

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek, fresh off her Madrid triumph, will be the player to beat. The Polish star has a remarkable 14-2 record in Rome, including two titles. Her quarterfinal draw appears manageable, with Marketa Vondrousova and Ekaterina Alexandrova as potential obstacles.

Coco Gauff, ranked third in the world, will be eager to prove her clay-court credentials. Despite a disappointing start to the season on clay, Gauff has a strong record in Rome, reaching the semifinals in 2021. She could face a stern test against former Roland Garros champion Barbora Krejcikova in the second round.

Elena Rybakina, the reigning Rome champion, will be another contender. Her serve-based game has proven effective on clay, as evidenced by her Stuttgart title and Madrid semifinal appearance. Danielle Collins, who defeated Rybakina in the Miami final, could be a potential threat in her quarter.

Aryna Sabalenka, the Madrid runner-up, will be looking to bounce back from her heartbreaking loss to Swiatek. However, her record in Rome is less impressive, and she could face a tough quarterfinal against Ons Jabeur or Dayana Yastremska.

The semifinals could feature a rematch of the Madrid final between Swiatek and Sabalenka, while Rybakina and Gauff could clash in the other semifinal. The final could be a repeat of the Madrid semifinal, with Rybakina seeking revenge against Swiatek.

With a star-studded field and the Roland Garros just around the corner, the Internazionali BNL d’Italia promises to be a thrilling spectacle of women’s tennis.

Keys to Challenge Gauff in Madrid Clay-Court Battle

Keys to Challenge Gauff in Madrid Clay-Court Battle

The Mutua Madrid Open’s Round of 16 features an intriguing all-American clash between Madison Keys and Coco Gauff. While Keys excels on grass, she’s also formidable on clay, boasting a 67-44 record. Gauff, known for her clay-court prowess, has a 38-15 record on the surface.

Keys has impressed in Madrid, defeating Irina-Camelia Begu and Liudmila Samsonova in straight sets. The altitude and slower bounce of the clay enhance her power and give her more time to execute her shots.

Gauff’s clay-court game is equally impressive, but Keys’ ability to attack her forehand and exploit her shaky serve could prove problematic. Keys’ return game is strong, breaking 40.0% of the time on clay over the past year.

While Gauff is favored to win, Keys has the potential to force a tiebreaker or win four games in both sets. Her strong serve and ability to capitalize on Gauff’s lows make her a threat.

Coco Gauff Secures First Double-Bagel Victory at Mutua Madrid Open

Coco Gauff Secures First Double-Bagel Victory at Mutua Madrid Open

Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, made a resounding statement at the Mutua Madrid Open, securing her first double-bagel victory of her career with a dominant 6-0, 6-0 triumph over Arantxa Rus.

Gauff, who had struggled on indoor clay earlier in the season, showcased her prowess on the outdoor red clay of the Caja Magica. She stormed through the first set in just 23 minutes, converting three of four break point opportunities and striking six winners to four unforced errors.

Despite losing serve to start the second set, Gauff displayed remarkable resilience, saving four break points and reeling off the next three games. She served for the match at 6-0, 5-0, and sealed the victory with a running forehand winner.

The 20-year-old American’s performance was a stark contrast to her recent form, which included a disappointing fourth-round loss at the Miami Open and a three-set defeat in Stuttgart. However, she put those setbacks behind her in Madrid, sending a clear message to her rivals.

Up next for Gauff is a clash with No. 3 seed Dayana Yastremska, who also advanced to the second round with a hard-fought 0-6, 7-5, 6-4 victory over Emiliana Arango.

Gauff’s victory marks a significant milestone in her career, as it is her first double-bagel win on the WTA Tour. It also serves as a reminder of her immense potential and her ability to dominate on any surface.

Coco Gauff: From Tennis Star to Global Icon

Coco Gauff: From Tennis Star to Global Icon

Coco Gauff, the 20-year-old American tennis sensation, continues to make waves both on and off the court. Following her recent cover feature in Vogue, Gauff has now graced the cover of TIME magazine’s May issue, solidifying her status as a rising star in the world of sports and beyond.

In an in-depth interview with TIME writer Sean Gregory, Gauff reflects on her journey from a promising junior to a global icon. She discusses the transition from adolescence to adulthood, acknowledging the shift in focus from external expectations to her own aspirations.

“At first, I was scared to grow up,” Gauff confides. “But now I’m embracing adulthood and womanhood.”

Gauff also shares personal experiences that have shaped her perspective. At age 12, she faced a racist incident at a junior tournament in France. While initially upset, she chose to move on, recognizing it as a reflection of societal ignorance rather than a defining moment.

“I just felt like that’s just something that people experience, which is not a great thing,” she says. “They just probably didn’t grow up around other people that looked different.”

At 15, Gauff attended her homecoming dance in Boca Raton, Florida, but already felt a disconnect from her peers.

“I just think I was at a maturity level different from the kids around me,” she explains. “No one has their life figured out at 15. But I, for the most part, did.”

Throughout her career, Gauff has consistently used her platform to advocate for issues she cares about. She remains committed to speaking out on matters of social justice and equality.

“I am not one to shy away from something that I feel informed about,” she asserts.

The article also explores Gauff’s evolution as a sporting and cultural icon. She discusses her on-court goals for 2024, including her aspirations for an Olympic medal in Paris.

“I want to win gold so bad,” she declares. “Representing the U.S. gives me goosebumps.”

Gauff is also eager to defend her US Open title later in the year.

“Sometimes people get unmotivated after winning one. That hasn’t been a personal challenge for me,” she says.

“My goal is to be relaxed and have fun and play with less pressure,” she adds. “I know people are going to start talking about defending the US Open title later on in the year. I’m not worried about that.”

Zendaya’s Tennis Ball Gown Steals the Show at “Challengers” Premiere Afterparty

Zendaya’s Tennis-Inspired Fashion Reigns Supreme at “Challengers” Premiere Afterparty

Zendaya, the star of the upcoming tennis-themed film “Challengers,” once again showcased her impeccable style at the afterparty for the film’s Los Angeles premiere. After gracing the red carpet in a stunning Vera Wang gown, Zendaya transformed into a custom Celia Kritharioti creation that perfectly captured the essence of her on-screen role.

The floor-length gown, a vibrant tennis ball-yellow, featured an eye-catching detail: an actual tennis ball positioned at the bottom of the deep V-neck. This playful touch echoed the “method dressing” approach that Zendaya and her stylist, Law Roach, have adopted for the film’s promotional tour.

At the afterparty, Zendaya had the pleasure of meeting former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard. Bouchard, who attended the premiere alongside tennis legends Tracy Austin and Venus Williams, shared a photo with Zendaya on social media, dubbing her “the new tennis queen.”

Zendaya’s encounter with Bouchard was just one of several interactions she has had with the tennis world during the press tour for “Challengers.” Coco Gauff’s coach, Brad Gilbert, served as the film’s tennis consultant, while Venus Williams revealed that Zendaya had sought her out at the premiere.

Despite her connections to the tennis world, Zendaya has yet to meet Gauff herself. However, after learning of Zendaya’s desire to meet her, Gauff extended an open invitation from the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart.

“I’m such a fan and you’re a huge inspiration for me,” Gauff said. “Maybe one day we can meet up and even get a little hit in.”

Zendaya’s viral tennis-themed fashion has garnered widespread attention and admiration. Her ability to seamlessly blend style and substance has made her a true fashion icon. As “Challengers” prepares to hit theaters, Zendaya’s unique approach to dressing for the role is sure to continue captivating audiences.

Coco Gauff Survives Vickery Scare in Stuttgart Comeback

Coco Gauff Survives Vickery Scare in Stuttgart Comeback

Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, made a triumphant return to the clay courts in Stuttgart, Germany, overcoming a spirited challenge from Sachia Vickery in a thrilling three-set battle.

Gauff, playing her first match since the Miami Open in March, initially dominated the proceedings, taking the first set 6-3. However, Vickery, a qualifier ranked outside the top 100, fought back valiantly in the second set, breaking Gauff’s serve twice to level the match at 1-1.

The final set was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both players trading breaks and holding serve. Vickery came within five points of pulling off a stunning upset, but Gauff displayed her resilience and determination, winning 12 of the final 14 points to secure a hard-fought 7-5 victory.

Gauff’s victory was particularly impressive considering Vickery’s previous success against top-ranked opponents. In 2018, Vickery defeated then-world No. 3 Garbiñe Muguruza at the BNP Paribas Open.

The win sets up a quarterfinal clash for Gauff against either No. 5 seed Zheng Qinwen or Marta Kostyuk, whom she faced in the last eight of the 2024 Australian Open.

Gauff’s performance in Stuttgart is a testament to her adaptability and mental fortitude. Despite a long layoff, she was able to quickly find her rhythm on the clay and overcome a determined opponent. Her victory bodes well for her chances of success in the upcoming French Open, where she will be aiming to defend her US Open title.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart