Coco Gauff Shows Grace and Faith Despite Loss to Sabalenka in Madrid Final
Aryna Sabalenka was all business at the Madrid Open, powering past Coco Gauff 6-3, 7-6(3) to claim her third title at La Caja Mágica in just four years. The world No. 1’s intensity was unmatched as she won 17 consecutive points early on, shaking Gauff right out of the gate. But the American, known for her resilience, managed to fight back and even had a set point in the second set. Despite the pressure, Sabalenka held firm and closed the match in straight sets. Still, Gauff was gracious in defeat, leaning on her faith in a heartfelt post-match speech.
Coco Gauff after losing to Sabalenka in Madrid final
“I’d like to thank my lord and savior Jesus Christ to be here and the opportunity to play in the final. I’d like to congratulate Aryna on an incredible tournament. You’re always tough to face. Congrats to your team. The… pic.twitter.com/GCuycZf1ag
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 3, 2025
Gauff’s path to the final was anything but smooth. She had a rocky start in Madrid, getting bageled 6-0 in the opening set of her first-round match against Dayana Yastremska. Though she eventually advanced, it was a close call. From there, she picked up momentum, knocking out rising star Mirra Andreeva in the quarterfinals and then stunning Iga Świątek in the semis. That win over Świątek, a dominant clay-court force, marked one of Gauff’s biggest career victories and looked like a turning point.
But the final reminded fans and critics alike that Gauff, while immensely talented, is still refining parts of her game—particularly her serve and forehand, which were inconsistent under pressure. Still, her fight and composure remained strong. In her speech, she thanked God and gave credit to Sabalenka and her team. Her words reflected a deep humility and strength: “I’d like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to be here and the opportunity to play in the final.”
Faith has long been central to Gauff’s life. She’s been vocal about it since the start of her career, once sharing that she and her father have prayed before every match since she was eight. She explained that they don’t pray for victory, but for safety and gratitude. That same sense of perspective helped her after a tough stretch earlier this season, when she suffered early exits in Doha, Dubai, Indian Wells, and Miami.
Her breakthrough moment in 2023, winning the US Open, included a powerful public display of faith as she dropped to her knees in prayer on the court. Afterward, she told ESPN that she was “just thankful for the moment” and that her success was a blessing beyond words.
Even in challenging times, such as her loss to Jasmine Paolini in Stuttgart last month, Gauff hasn’t let defeat define her. Speaking in a Vogue interview before Madrid, she opened up about how faith helps her keep perspective. “Sometimes you also feel like your whole identity is tied to your results,” she said. “But the more focused I am on faith, too, I realize I’m much more than my sport.”
Now, her attention shifts to the Italian Open in Rome, where she’s been a semifinalist twice before. Although Madrid didn’t end with a trophy, Gauff’s spirit, discipline, and faith continue to define her journey. Whether or not she breaks through in Rome, Coco Gauff has already proven that her story is about much more than just wins and losses.