One of the world’s top tennis players has knelt in thankful prayer after becoming the youngest player to win the US Open since 1999.
Coco Gauff, a member of Saint John Missionary Baptist Church in Florida, won her first Grand Slam title by defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
In an interview with Today, the 19-year-old explained that when she knelt on the court: “I was just saying thank you, and I understood all the tough times were just to make that moment even sweeter, I think if it came easy, I wouldn’t feel as appreciative as I did in that moment”.
‘Blessed’
During the awards ceremony, Gauff told ESPN that her Christian faith has been “so important” during her career.
“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 thankful for this moment”.
Last month, Gauff gave thanks to Christ after winning the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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.
Saka
Last year, England’s World Cup winger Bukayo Saka said how it is “really important” to always have the presence of God in his life.
The Arsenal player, who attends a Pentecostal church in London, told a press conference that he continued to read the Bible every night during the tournament.
He said “the main thing for me is keeping my faith, having faith in God so I don’t need to be nervous or worried about any outcomes”.
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