Coco Gauff's Mother's Behavior During French Open Final Catches Attention

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rex Villas | Last updated Jun 8, 2025 7:30 AM ET

World No. 2 Coco Gauff's resume just got a major update. The 21-year-old American star is now a two-time Grand Slam champion after capturing the Suzanne-Lenglen Cup by winning the 2025 edition of the French Open women's singles tournament.

She did so by taking down No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the title match at Roland Garros on Saturday via a score of 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 6-4.

Gauff's title match against Sabalenka did not start in her favor, as she dropped the first set. However, Gauff dug deep and showed her resilience, winning the second set to force a deciding one. With the Atlanta native needing just a point to capture the crown, Gauff may have gotten some help from the heavens, thanks to her mom, Candi, praying intently in the stands, as shown in a video shared by TNT Sports.

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Candi’s intense moment also got people’s attention online.

"Nothing like a praying mama ❤️," said a fan on Instagram.

Another one said: "She was not the only one praying for her daughter. God heard us mama Gauff ”

From a commenter: "Mother’s prayers are the most powerfull!! ❤️”

“I was going through these same emotions ,” a social media user posted.

Via a different commenter: “This made me tear up when watching today. I love a praying mother ❤️”

Said another: “I was praying with you. ”

Gauff's parents have always been supportive of her during her tennis journey.

"I want to be the greatest," she said after her Roland Garros win (via D'Arcy Maine of ESPN). "My dad told me that I could do this when I was 8. Obviously you never believe it. I'm still, like, not 100% confident. But, like, you have to just say things. You never know what happens."

Gauff has consistently been a strong performer at Roland Garros, where she also won a doubles title in 2024. Including her win on Saturday, Gauff has made at least the quarterfinal round of the French Open singles tournament five straight times, dating back to 2021.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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