The 2020 Tokyo Olympics did not go as planned for Coco Gauff, who was supposed to make her Olympic debut but unfortunately had to withdraw after contracting COVID-19. Four years later, today, Gauff stands on the brink of her Olympic debut as the first female flag bearer for Team USA. But her triumph is not limited to this achievement.

On July 24th, Coco Gauff learned she was selected as the U.S. flag bearer alongside LeBron James. “I never actually met him, so this is a cool circumstance to meet him,” expressed Gauff. While most athletes view LeBron James as the GOAT, for Gauff, he’s an inspiration behind her success. “LeBron James,” Gauff once told the Tennis Channel about her illustrious career’s motivation.

While the William sisters, Serena Williams and Venus Williams had always been a goal, Gauff set for herself. But, for keep going, she relied on the GOAT. You might wonder how LeBron James, who isn’t related to tennis, could be an inspiration for Gauff. So, its not James’ sport but, his unwavering determination that inspired the young prodigy.

“When people doubt him, saying that he’s old or that he can’t come back, I think about when he was down 3-1 and came back. If he and his team can do it,” she added to emphasize the bond she has with the 39-year-old. But this isn’t the first time the 20-year-old tennis star has drawn inspiration from King James.

How Gauff-James is a tale of mutual admiration?

Despite being differentiated by sports, Coco Gauff and LeBron James have been united by individual triumphs. Here are three instances where Team USA flag bearers are the biggest fans of each other:

James Redefining Age Barriers

In the 2016 NBA Finals, LeBron James entered the court with electrifying energy. He led his iconic “Blocked by James” moment to help the Cavaliers win Game 7 on the road. By doing so, he became the first team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit. This performance caught many eyeballs, and tennis prodigy Coco Gauff was one of them.

In fact, she got inspired right away as James nailed it on the hardwood, setting an example for teenagers. However, it isn’t just Gauff seeking inspiration from the 39-year-old Lakers star. There have been instances when LeBron himself dived in to celebrate Gauff’s achievements.

Coco Gauff’s Historic Celebration with the James Family

Last year, at the US Open Championships, then-19-year-old Gauff faced opponent Aryna Sabalenka. At that time, Gauff hoped to secure her first Grand Slam title in New York City. With a score of 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 on home soil, she became the youngest American to achieve this title in 17 years since Serena Williams.

Completely mesmerized by Gauff’s excellence, LeBron James took to his official Instagram story to cheer for the young lady. But James wasn’t alone in celebrating Gauff’s triumph. His wife, Savannah James, also publicly appreciated her win at the US Open. Despite such encounters and celebrations, Gauff has never met the basketball legend.

Gauff-James: From DMs to Flag Bearers

When Gauff was asked about James as her partner for flag bearing, she said, “He DM’ed me once on Instagram with words of encouragement and congratulations, but I’ve never actually met him.” Clearly, James has been following Gauff’s performance and has even extended “words of encouragement” to her. But despite this kind of relationship, Gauff has never met him one-on-one.

That will change as Coco Gauff will definitely get to meet James in person at the 2024 Paris Olympics. “Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment,” James told Today.com. Notably, James is entering the Olympic arena for the fourth time.

While James’ selection as a flag bearer was announced two days ago, on July 22nd, Coco Gauff’s revelation came today. Now, the question is: Will James speak up about his co-flag bearer? Stay tuned to find out!