Chris Evert says she was left crying after news about Coco Gauff

Chris Evert won 18 grand-slam singles titles in her career and remains one of America’s greatest ever tennis players.
Despite Chris Evert’s playing career having concluded in 1989, the American still holds numerous tennis accolades, with her haul of seven Roland Garros titles still standing as a WTA record.
The American’s career winning percentage in singles matches of 89.97% (1309–146) is the second highest in the Open Era for both men and women, with her clay-court record even higher at 94.55% (382–22).

With tennis only returning to the Olympics as a full medal sport at the 1988 Summer games, Evert only had the opportunity to represent the USA towards the back-end of her career.
With this year’s Olympics taking place on the red Parisian clay courts, it’s no doubt that Evert in her tennis prime would have seriously fancied her chances.
After the news was announced today that Coco Gauff would lead out Team USA at the opening ceremony of the Olympics, Evert could hardly contain her joy.

The news of Coco Gauff’s history-making role as Team USA’s flag-bearer at the Olympic opening ceremony has delighted the tennis world.
Reacting to Team USA’s official announcement that Gauff would lead the field alongside LeBron James, Evert wrote on X: “I cried!!! So exciting and deserving!”
Evert was clearly moved by the news, both by the emotions attached to leading out your nation at an Olympic games, but also by the history that Gauff continues to write herself into.

Gauff was only 15 when she announced herself to the world by beating veteran American icon Venus Williams at Wimbledon.
Now ranked second in the world, Gauff has reached multiple grand slam finals, winning the 2023 US Open in style against Aryna Sabalenka.
WTA stars Sloane Stephens and Sofia Kenin have also picked up major titles after Serena Williams’ time as America’s star player.
However, with Gauff having also picked up a major title in the doubles, she is the only American WTA player who has properly been able to solidify her status at the top.
With Iga Swiatek the player to beat in Paris, with the pair only able to meet in the final or the bronze medal match, Gauff remains well on course for an Olympic medal.