Coco Gauff’s rise to tennis stardom is one of the most remarkable storylines in sport.

At just 15 years old, she burst onto the scene by becoming the youngest qualifier in Wimbledon history, where she would go on to defeat the oldest player in the 2019 draw Venus Williams in the first round.

The American youngster became an overnight sensation and has gone on to become an established star in the women’s game, rising as high as No4 in the world rankings.

The best was yet to come, however, with the American sensation winning the US Open aged just 19, coming from one set down to beat Aryna Sabalenka and claim her first Grand Slam title.

Gauff is known for her incredible athleticism, shot-making, and fierce competitiveness – but it’s her Christian faith that laid the foundation for her success.

Church

Coco is a devout Christian and attends the Saint John Missionary Baptist Church in Florida.

The church describes itself as ‘an educational, spirit-driven and filled church that offers every believer an opportunity to draw closer to God and every non-believer the occasion to accept Christ as their Savior.’

According to reports, the day before her famous win against Venus Williams, Gauff’s mother texted their pastor and asked him to pray for Coco. He did so during a service and Gauff’s grandmother Facetimed the young tennis star so she could hear the pastor and congregation pray for her.

Prayer

In an interview with the New York Times, Coco mentioned that she and her dad say a prayer together before every match.

She said, “Before every match since I was 8, my dad and I say a prayer together.” She explained that the prayer isn’t for victory, but rather an expression of thanks to God and of dependence on him.

She continued, “We don’t really pray about victory, just that me and my opponent stay safe.”

The interview also describes how Gauff reacted to her life-changing win over Venus Williams, first waving to the crowd and then going to her chair where she, “squatted down, put her head against the butt of her racket and cried as she said a prayer.”

Fame

Coco’s faith has also helped her deal with the pressures of being a young tennis star.

In an interview, she mentioned that her faith helps her stay positive and focused on her goals. “I try to stay positive and not let the negative things affect me too much,” she said. “My faith helps me stay focused on my goals and what I want to achieve.”

The American’s faith has also helped her stay grounded and humble. In an interview with Because of Them We Can, she mentioned that her faith helps her remember where she came from and stay true to herself.

“I try to stay humble and remember that I’m just a girl from Florida who loves to play tennis,” she said. “My faith helps me stay grounded and remember what’s important.”

Faith

The 18-year-old often refers to her faith.

Most recently after winning the US Open in September 2023, she said:

“It means so much to me. That French Open loss was a heartbreak, but I realized God puts you through tribulations and trials, and that makes this moment even sweeter than I could imagine.”

The reporter then asked: “We saw you say a prayer, get on your knees, you have a lot of faith… how important has that been on this journey for you?”

Gauff replied: “It’s been so important, I don’t pray for results I just ask that I get the strength to give it my all and whatever happens happens.

“I’m so blessed in this life so I’m just so thankful for this moment and I don’t have any words for it to be honest”.

Similarly, after becoming the youngest player ever to win the Cincinnati Open, she said:

“I’d like to thank my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I spent a lot of nights alone crying trying to figure it out. I still have a lot to figure out, but I thank him for covering me.”

Extract of article courtesy of Sport and Faith, 14 May 2023