Female tennis star gives glory to Christ after title win

One of the world’s top female tennis players has given thanks to God after winning a prestigious US tournament.

Coco Gauff, who is a member of Saint John Missionary Baptist Church in Florida, won the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, Ohio, having already defeated world number one Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals.

In an interview following her win, the 19-year-old world number six said: “I’d like to thank my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

Prayer

Previously speaking to the New York Times, Gauff explained: “Before every match since I was 8, my dad and I say a prayer together.

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

She rose to fame at just 15 years old after becoming the youngest tennis player in history to qualify for Wimbledon where she won a match against five-time champion Venus Williams.

‘Eternal joy’

Earlier this year, several members of a US softball team publicly declared the eternal hope that can only be found in Christ.

In an interview with ESPN, the award-winning captain of the Oklahoma Sooners explained how the team stays joyful amid the pressure of maintaining their winning streak in the Women’s College World Series.

Grace Lyons said: “Well the only way that you can have a joy that doesn’t fade away is from the Lord and any other type of joy is actually happiness that comes from circumstances and outcomes.”