Coco Gauff will lead the U.S. tennis team at the Paris Olympics, marking her return to the international stage after missing the Tokyo Games due to a positive COVID-19 test. The 20-year-old, currently ranked No. 2, will be accompanied by Jessica Pegula, Danielle Collins, and Emma Navarro in the women's singles category, while Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, Chris Eubanks, and Marcos Giron will represent the U.S. in men's singles.
The Olympic tennis event is scheduled to commence on July 27 at Roland Garros, the renowned venue of the French Open. Notably, six first-time Olympians have been selected to represent the American team, as confirmed by the U.S. Tennis Association.
Gauff, a U.S. Open champion, has demonstrated her prowess by reaching the semifinals at both the Australian and French Opens this year. She was also a finalist at the Roland Garros clay court tournament in 2022 and is expected to be a strong contender in the doubles competition.
Together with Pegula, Gauff has clinched five doubles titles. Gauff recently secured her first major doubles title at the French Open alongside Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic.
Pegula, who made a comeback from a neck injury in April, reached the singles quarterfinals at the French Open this year. Collins, aged 30 and in her final season on the tour, has claimed two titles in 2022 and was the runner-up at the 2022 Australian Open.
Navarro, currently at a career-high ranking of No. 17, impressed by reaching the fourth round at Roland Garros. In the men's category, Fritz leads the American contingent at No. 12, followed by Paul at No. 13, Eubanks at 44th, and Giron at 53rd.
Rajeev Ram, a seasoned player at 40, will make his third Olympic appearance and will partner with Austin Krajicek in the doubles event. Fritz and Paul will also team up for the doubles competition. Ram, a four-time major doubles champion, previously won the mixed doubles silver medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games alongside Venus Williams.
The USTA has confirmed that one mixed doubles team for Paris will be announced at a later date, adding to the anticipation surrounding the American tennis squad's participation in the upcoming Olympics.
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