Coco Gauff’s unwavering faith in God continues to be one of the most inspiring elements of her journey in professional tennis. Who could forget last year’s Roland-Garros, where after a tough singles loss to Iga Swiatek in the SF, she bounced back to win her first GS doubles title? “My father, Jesus Christ, for just keeping me here and keeping me sane and bless me with the life that I have,” she said. That moment showcased Coco’s deep devotion. And recently, having achieved a resounding victory against Aryna Sabalenka in the Madrid Open final, Coco boldly and publicly reaffirmed her faith in Jesus again, thereby offering a powerful rebuttal to her detractors.

Coco Gauff entered the final of the Mutua Madrid Open with a 5-4 H2H lead over Aryna Sabalenka, including a win in their only prior clay-court meeting at Rome in 2021. After surviving a tricky opening service game, Gauff looked poised for another strong showing. However, the top seed took command early and never looked back. With powerful baseline play and composure under pressure, Sabalenka secured her third Madrid Open title with a 6-3, 7-6(3) win over the 4th seed. 

During the trophy presentation, Coco proudly wore her faith on her sleeve, showing gratitude and humility in defeat. “I’d like to thank my lord and savior Jesus Christ to be here and the opportunity to play in the final,” she said, before congratulating Sabalenka.

As her bold faith continues to draw both admiration and criticism, Gauff remains unwavering, brushing off the naysayers while staying firmly grounded in her belief.

During her pre-tournament press conference at the Italian Open, Coco Gauff admitted the truth about her thanking the almighty on every occasion. “Yeah, it’s super important for me,” Coco Said. “I’ve said it in every speech. I know there’s like a whole discourse about it online, but I’ve done it every speech that I’ve been on tour. I’m not out here trying to force anybody to believe in anything. I share my beliefs for people who also believe in it, as well.”

Later, she also shed light on how her faith in God has helped her throughout her journey. “Yeah, I think for me you come to a point where you start criticizing people for saying anything, whether it’s religion, or pride in their sexuality or anything like that, that’s a bit of censorship. I think we all should be able to do what we want to do as long as it’s not harming other people. For me it’s important to share it and let other people know it helps me, it could also help someone else in their life,” she added.

Coco Gauff’s faith in God is no recent revelation as it’s a constant presence in her life, evident through both triumphs and trials. Just last month, she marked Good Friday with a heartfelt message to her followers on X, reflecting on the depth of Christ’s love and sacrifice. “Today Jesus sacrifice His life for you and I. If you ever feel unloved or alone just know that He not only died but endured torture for you because He loves you and will always love you.❤️,” Gauff added.

Even through challenges this season, Coco has leaned deeply on her beliefs for strength and clarity. Her unwavering devotion continues to guide her, both on and off the court, making her a powerful voice of faith in the world of tennis.

Coco Gauff opens up about her belief, which keeps her moving forward

After a QF exit at the Australian Open in January, Coco Gauff hit a rocky patch in her season. She struggled to find her rhythm in the months that followed, bowing out early in Doha, Dubai, Indian Wells, and even Miami, tournaments where she felt she should have gone further. Her momentum didn’t shift until Stuttgart, too, where she reached the R16 after defeating the 124th seed. But even there, she couldn’t fully capitalize, falling in straight sets to Jasmine Paolini, a player who’s also faced form issues this season. By her high standards, it’s been a tough stretch.

Still, the recently turned 21-year-old hasn’t let the setbacks define her. On April 23, just before her campaign in Madrid, Gauff opened up in Vogue. While spotlighting her fashion-forward New Balance x Miu Miu collaboration, the former US Open champion shared what truly sustains her through the ups and downs. “Sometimes you also feel like your whole identity is tied to your results. But the more focused I am on faith, too, I realize I’m much more than my sport. It’s something that makes me thankful–if I don’t win another tennis match ever again, I still have a lot outside of it to look forward to.”

Now, with Madrid behind her, all eyes shift to Rome. Gauff heads into the Italian Open, still in pursuit of her first title this season. She’s reached the SF twice, in 2021 and 2024, but both times fell to Iga Świątek.

Coco Gauff may not have walked away with the Madrid trophy, but she left with something just as valuable: heart, hope, and grace! Could Rome finally be the place for her breakthrough this year?