The 21-year-old United States tennis player, Cori (Coco) Gauff, won her first Roland Garros tournament, after defeating the world number one, Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka (6-7, 6-2, 6-4).

Gauff, who had previously reached the French Open final in 2022 but lost to Iga Swiatek, became the first US American to win the tournament since Serena Williams in 2015. This is her second Grand Slam win.

Thanking God for her victory

At the trophy presentation, Gauff, who is a member of the St. John's Baptist Church in Boynton Beach (Florida), gave her first thanks to God after the victory.

“I thank God for always keeping me covered”, she said before congratulating her opponent and thanking her team and family and the fans.

Following her victory at the French Open, Gauff also thanked God on her social media.

“This means so much to me... Champion of the French Open. I worked so hard for this moment, and the fact that it happened is crazy. I thank God, and thank you all. It means everything to me... I'm still in shock, I can't find the words, but all I can say right now is thank you, and never give up on your dreams”, she wrote in a post.

 

 

 

 

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Gauff’s mother's reaction went viral

Gauff's parents were with her throughout the French Open, as they usually do at every tournament in which their daughter participates.

In the final, the mother of Gauff went viral after being spotted praying, moments before her daughter's match-winning point.

TNT Sports shared the clip on Instagram, writing: “Coco Gauff’s mom was praying for her victory during the championship point at Roland-Garros”.

Outspoken about her faith

Gauff usually shares her faith on social media and gives glory to God everytime she wins a tournamnet.

In 2023, right after she won the US Open, she kneeled next to her chair and spent some seconds in prayer.

“I realise that God puts you through tribulations and trials and this makes this moment even sweeter than I can imagine”, Gauff told the crowd.

Later, she explained: “I don’t pray for results, I pray that I get the strength to give my all, and whatever happens, happens. I am so blessed in this life”.

Gauff entered the professional tennis circles in 2018, at the age of 14. One year later, she told The New York Times: “Before every match since I was 8, my dad and I say a prayer together (…) We pray just that me and my opponent stay safe”.

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