Tennis player Gauff to be US women's flagbearer

Tennis player Coco Gauff has been selected as the female flagbearer for Team USA at Friday's Olympic Games opening ceremony in Paris.

The 20-year-old Grand Slam winner joins basketball superstar LeBron James, who was selected as the male flagbearer on Monday.

Gauff, who won the 2023 US Open, is competing at her first Olympic Games.

"I never thought in a million years I would have the honour of carrying the American flag for Team USA in the opening ceremony," Gauff said.

"I could not be more proud to lead my team-mates with LeBron as we showcase our dedication and passion on the biggest stage there is."

At the start of the year, Gauff reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open, and she made the fourth round of Wimbledon this month.

Serena Williams was the last American to win Olympic gold in the women's singles at London 2012.

Gauff was picked alongside Jessica Pegula as part of Team USA's women's tennis team.

Friday night's ceremony will be held on the River Seine and will be the first opening ceremony in summer Olympic history to be held outside the main stadium.