Coco Gauff Meets LeBron James
Coco Gauff, the current World No. 2 in women’s tennis, recently shared a heartwarming anecdote about an encounter with NBA superstar LeBron James during the 2025 French Open at Roland-Garros. Despite her stature as a leading athlete, the 20-year-old Gauff revealed that even champions feel the excitement of meeting their idols.
Memorable Encounter at the Olympics
In a conversation with former pro tennis player John Isner, Gauff recounted her memorable meeting with James at last year’s Olympic Games in Paris. The two athletes made history when they were chosen as the flag bearers for Team USA, marking a significant achievement as Gauff became the first American tennis player to lead her team during the Olympic Opening Ceremony.
The exchange was highlighted in a post by Bleacher Report on Instagram. “He walked in all super cool with his shades on,” Gauff remembered.
Trying to maintain her composure, she initially greeted him, saying, “Nice to meet you,” to which James replied in kind. However, her inner fan soon took over as she observed her surroundings and exclaimed, “Oh my God, LeBron James is here!”
Noticing his height, she playfully remarked, “He’s so tall.” In response, the modest James downplayed his stature, stating, “I’m not that tall,” but Gauff was quick to humorously disagree, affirming, “Okay, but you’re a massive dude.”
Staying Relatable Despite Success
As Gauff progresses through the French Open, she continues to show that despite her success on the court, she remains relatable and occasionally starstruck by her heroes.
This story was first covered by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, capturing not just a remarkable moment in Gauff’s career but also the universal experience of idolization among athletes.
