In a powerful reminder that faith and family can carry us through life’s biggest battles, 21-year-old tennis star Coco Gauff claimed her second Grand Slam title on Saturday at the French Open—buoyed by her trust in God and her mother’s heartfelt prayer.

The No. 2-ranked Gauff pulled off an emotional comeback against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the women’s final at Roland Garros, winning 6-7, 6-2, 6-4 to become the first American woman to win the French Open since Serena Williams in 2015.

As Gauff battled it out on the clay court, her mother, Candi Gauff, was spotted doing something that quickly captured hearts across the globe—whispering a prayer during championship point. The moment, caught on camera by TNT Sports and shared widely on social media, shows a mother’s love and dependence on God in the heat of competition.

“Coco Gauff’s mum was praying for her victory during the Championship point at Roland-Garros,” the network wrote alongside the video clip, which quickly racked up tens of thousands of likes and supportive comments.

“She was not the only one praying for her daughter. God heard us mama Gauff,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “Praise GOD… It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s worth it.”

The deeply spiritual moment reflected the values the Gauff family has carried throughout Coco’s meteoric rise in the tennis world. A member of Saint John Missionary Baptist Church in Boynton Beach, Florida, Coco has never shied away from publicly expressing her Christian faith. After winning her first Grand Slam at the U.S. Open in 2023, she went viral for kneeling in prayer on the court. This time, she used her post-match interview to give glory once again where she believes it’s due.

“First, I would like to thank God for always keeping me covered,” Gauff said during the trophy ceremony. “I was going through a lot of things when I lost in this final three years ago, and I’m just happy to be here. A lot of dark thoughts… and just the fact that I stayed to it just means a lot to be here.”

Gauff had previously faced heartbreak at the French Open in 2022 when she lost in the final to Iga Swiatek. Then just 18 years old, she admitted to feeling overwhelmed and anxious.

“My mentality going into that match, I was crying before the match and so nervous I could hardly breathe,” she recalled. “I was like, ‘If I can’t handle this, how am I going to handle it again?'”

Now, three years later, with maturity, perspective, and spiritual grounding, she returned stronger—and more composed. Her resilience was evident not just in her game but in her grace.

After the match, Gauff shared her gratitude again on X, formerly Twitter:

“Wow. This means so much to me truly… French Open champion. I worked so hard for this moment… Thank you, God, and thank you, everyone… All I can say for now is just thank you and never give up on your dreams.”

wow.
this means so much to me truly….french open champion?
i worked so hard for this moment and for it to have happened is insane. thank you God ❤️ and thank you everyone. this means the world…. I ‘m still in shock honestly can’t find the words but all I can say for now is… pic.twitter.com/5rAaTrhk16

— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) June 7, 2025

From a tearful teen to a faith-filled champion, Coco Gauff’s story is more than just a tennis triumph—it’s a testimony of perseverance, prayer, and praise.