At just 19 years old, Coco Gauff rocked the tennis world, clinching the U.S. Open title – a feat last seen when Serena Williams triumphed in 2001 at the same age. Gauff’s gritty performance saw her conquer Aryna Sabalenka with a score of 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, catapulting her to global stardom seemingly overnight, despite having only played two Grand Slam finals.

Her viral victory reaction became the talk of the town, particularly a moment when she knelt down in prayer, ESPN labeling it as “soaking it all in.” However, NFL Super Bowl champion coach Tony Dungy and others quickly corrected the narrative, emphasizing that it was a powerful display of Gauff’s Christian faith.

Some questioned the connection between prayer and victory, while others pondered the divine’s priorities, referencing a Moroccan earthquake. Gauff, however, stayed focused on her journey, crediting her parents and faith for her resilience, even reflecting on her previous loss at the French Open as part of life’s rollercoaster.

Undeterred by the naysayers, she sent a fiery message to those who doubted her, stating, “You were really adding gas to it – and now I’m really burning so bright right now.”

Despite the detractors, Gauff received heaps of praise and support from fans, with one even suggesting a new Serena Williams had emerged.