Aryna Sabalenka was all business at La Caja Mágica on Saturday. The world No. 1 stormed to her third Madrid Open title in four years, beating Coco Gauff 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) in a gritty final. The World No.1 went on a tear, winning 17 points in a row early in the match. That kind of start would shake most players, but Gauff hung in there. The American managed to save face after a shaky opening, forcing Sabalenka to dig deep in the second set. At one point, Gauff even had a set point. But in true champion fashion, Sabalenka held firm and closed the door. But the 21-year-old was ever gracious in defeat, as she leaned on her faith to give her strength.

Coco Gauff started the tournament with a rocky performance. She got bageled 6-0 in the first set of her opener against Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska. She eventually survived, but not without a few nervous moments. She couldn’t serve it out on her first try and barely scraped through. But once she steadied, Gauff started rolling. She took down Mirra Andreeva, one of the top players of the season, in the quarters. Then came a statement win in the semifinals. The American dismantled Iga Świątek, handing the four-time French Open champ her worst loss on clay since 2019. That semifinal felt like a turning point.

Still, the final was a reminder that Gauff is growing, not yet complete. Her serve and forehand have been inconsistent, and those issues showed up again. But she kept fighting. That grit, combined with her faith, is what helps her bounce back. After the match, she leaned on her faith to keep things in perspective. She said, “I’d like to thank my lord and savior Jesus Christ to be here and the opportunity to play in the final. I’d like to congratulate Aryna on an incredible tournament. You’re always tough to face. Congrats to your team. The last… well, you’re always doing well… but the last 4 straight finals I think. Congrats on all the success you’ve been having.”

The Delray Beach native has always been open about her beliefs. In fact, it’s something that’s been part of her routine since she was 8 years old. Back in 2019, Gauff told The New York Times, “Before every match since I was 8, my dad and I say a prayer together. We don’t pray about victory, just that me and my opponent stay safe. After the match, I was just thanking God for this opportunity.”

And it’s not just in defeats. One of her most powerful moments of faith came during her US Open win in 2023. After her final victory, Gauff dropped to her knees and prayed right there on the court. Speaking to ESPN’s Mary Jo Fernandez later, she said, “It’s been so important. I’m so blessed in this life. So I’m just thankful for this moment. I don’t have any words for it, to be honest.”

Even during tough spells this season, Gauff has leaned on her beliefs.

Coco Gauff Reveals Faith Makes Her See Life Beyond Tennis

After a quarterfinal loss at the Australian Open in January, Coco Gauff struggled to find rhythm in the following tournaments. She went out early in Doha, Dubai, Indian Wells, and Miami. Those were matches she believed she should’ve won. Things didn’t pick up until Stuttgart, where she made the round of 16 after beating the 124th-ranked player. But then, she lost in straight sets to Jasmine Paolini, a player who’s had her own form issues this year. So, yes, it’s been rough. Though she picked up the pace in Madrid, the season has not been the best by her standards.

But the 21-year-old hasn’t let that define her. On April 23, just before Madrid, she opened up in Vogue. Alongside promoting her new New Balance x Miu Miu collaboration, the 2023 US Open champ spoke about what really keeps her going. She said, “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, all eyes turn to Rome. Gauff will head to the Italian Open next, still searching for her first title of the season. She’s made the semifinals in 2021 and 2024, losing both times to Świątek. Coco Gauff may not have lifted the trophy in Madrid, but she showed heart, hope, and a whole lot of grace. Will she find her breakthrough moment in Rome?