American teenager, Coco Gauff, on Sunday expressed her gratitude to Jesus as she clinched victory at the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati.
The 19-year-old secured her third title of the year by defeating Karolna Muchová in straight sets. Merely two weeks prior, Coco Gauff had emerged victorious at the DC Open.
Speaking in a televised post-game interview, she said, “It’s unbelievable…I’m just happy to be here in this moment. I’d like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It’s been a lot of nights alone crying, trying to figure it out. And you know, I still have a lot to figure out. But you know, I thank Him for covering me.”
Athletics runs in her family: her dad, Corey, played university basketball, and her mom, Candi, competed in track and field events.
The tennis star, born in Florida, has previously been open about her faith. After her triumph at the DC Open, she shared a post on Instagram with a quote from Philippians 4:13 “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” It’s understood she attends the Saint John Missionary Baptist Church in Florida and was previously quoted in the New York Times revealing she prays with her dad before every match. She said: “We don’t really pray about victory, just that me and my opponent stay safe.”