At just 20 years old, Coco Gauff has already become one of the most talked-about athletes in the world of tennis. But alongside the fame, victories, and relentless expectations, Gauff has also had to navigate criticism—some of it unfair and deeply personal. In a recent interview, she opened up about what keeps her grounded during the toughest moments: her faith.

“I grew up in the church,” Gauff shared. “My family has always taught me that my worth doesn’t come from titles or the internet. It comes from who I am, what I believe, and how I treat others.” Raised in a Christian household in Delray Beach, Florida, Gauff’s life outside of tennis was centered around community, humility, and gratitude. She regularly attended church with her parents and siblings, and says that foundation shaped her understanding of herself and her purpose.

Prayer has been a core part of Gauff’s pre-match routine since childhood. She and her father often pray together before she steps onto the court—not necessarily to win, but to stay focused, calm, and healthy. That spiritual practice has helped her build mental resilience, especially when critics try to reduce her identity to a win-loss record or technique flaw.

Gauff admits that at first, public criticism hit hard. Social media gave everyone a platform, and when she made mistakes—especially during matches—some reactions were cruel. “There were times I would go online and see people say I wasn’t good enough, or that I didn’t deserve the hype. I’m human. That stuff can hurt,” she said. But instead of letting the noise break her, she learned to rise above it. Her faith reminded her that she had already overcome challenges far greater than any match.

She also credits her strength to the stories passed down in her family—especially from her grandmother, who was the first Black student to integrate her high school in a segregated town. Gauff says that legacy reminds her to be brave, to speak up for what’s right, and to remember the bigger picture: she’s not just playing for herself, but for others who see their dreams in her journey.

Now, Gauff embraces the attention with maturity beyond her years. She listens to constructive feedback, but blocks out hate. She continues to use her platform to advocate for causes she believes in, and remains unapologetically herself—on the court and off.

More than anything, she’s learned to lean into the values that raised her. “Tennis is what I do, but it’s not who I am,” she said. “I know where I come from, and I know Who I play for.”

In the world of elite sports, where pressure and opinions never stop, Coco Gauff’s faith gives her the clarity to keep going—and the courage to keep growing.