Coco Gauff's mother opens up on the church's secret behind her daughter's emotional strength

Coco Gauff survived a roller-coaster quarterfinal battle against Mirra Andreeva at the 2026 Italian Open, rallying from a set down and fighting off five match points to win 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 and reach her third straight semifinal in Rome.

The World No. 3 looked in control at 5-1 in the deciding set, only for the young Russian to storm back, forcing Gauff to steady her nerves and close it out on her sixth match point. It was gritty, emotional tennis that showcased exactly why Gauff remains one of the most compelling players on the tour.

Reaching the last four in Rome keeps Gauff’s clay-court momentum rolling ahead of the French Open, where she’ll defend her 2025 title. She’s now 15-0 in sets after the first round here and has made the semifinals four times at this event.

But more than the result, the way she dug deep against Andreeva showed growth in handling pressure moments that have sometimes tripped her up. Gauff has improved her head-to-head to 5-0 against Andreeva.

1. Candi Gauff’s Church Secret

While Coco battled on court, her mother Candi sat in the stands with remarkable composure. A fan posted a photo of Candi watching calmly, and she replied with a telling insight into how she stays grounded. “There are a lot of churches in Rome. Just say I have visited several. I do pray a lot. A mom’s job is never done, including for my two sons. (BWT I don’t pray for wins.)” That quiet faith has been a constant for the Gauff family. Candi has long been Coco’s rock, traveling the tour and providing emotional balance.

2. Gauff on Pressure and Perspective

Away from the drama, Gauff has been refreshingly open about the weight she carries. At 22, she still puts immense pressure on herself to win every tournament. “I’m probably on the side of putting too much pressure on myself. You always want more in sport… I’ve taken a step back and just realized that I’m not going to win every single tournament. I just need to focus on the journey and the process.” That mindset shift has served her well this week in Rome. She’s already beaten Tereza Valentova, Solana Sierra, Iva Jovic, and now Andreeva, showing improved adaptability on the slower clay. Rome has become a happy hunting ground. This is her fourth semifinal appearance here, and she’s been a consistent deep runner at WTA 1000 events. Her 2025 French Open triumph proved she can translate this clay form into Grand Slam success, and fans are eager to see if she can go one step further in the Italian capital this time. Her mother’s influence runs deeper than match-day prayers. The Gauff family has always emphasized education, faith, and balance. These values helped Coco navigate early fame after bursting onto the scene as a teenager.

3. What’s Next for Gauff in Rome

Gauff faces Sorana Cirstea in the semifinals. Cirstea, who stunned World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka earlier in the tournament, brings experience and a dangerous game that could test Gauff’s returning and movement. A win would put Gauff into her first final at the Italian Open and give her valuable confidence heading into Roland Garros. Even a loss here would mark another strong showing on clay, keeping her among the top contenders for the biggest titles. What makes Gauff special isn’t just the powerful forehand or elite athleticism; it’s the visible humanity. You see the frustration when things aren’t clicking, the fist pumps when they do, and the genuine connection with her family in the stands. Candi’s church visits and prayers remind us that behind the highlight-reel winners is a young woman supported by deep roots and quiet strength. Tennis fans love that authenticity. Gauff hasn’t won any titles so far in 2026, but reached the finals in Miami. Now, the World No.4 is in a pivotal part of the clay season. A strong finish in Rome could set up another memorable French Open campaign. Whether she lifts the trophy in the Italian capital or not, her journey continues to inspire, backed by a mother who knows when to cheer and when to pray. The semifinals promise more drama, more resilience, and perhaps another chapter in what’s becoming one of tennis’s most compelling family stories. Gauff is built for these moments, on court and off.

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