As Coco Gauff continues to dazzle on the tennis court, her off-court life has captured fans’ hearts, particularly her blossoming relationship with Atlanta-based musician and aspiring actor Jalen Sera. The 21-year-old American tennis sensation, fresh off her second Grand Slam triumph at the 2025 French Open, recently confirmed her two-year romance with Sera in a heartwarming moment that set social media ablaze. From childhood connections to late-night phone calls before major victories, their bond offers a glimpse into the personal side of a global superstar balancing fame, love, and ambition. As Gauff gears up for the grass-court season at the Berlin Open, here’s everything you need to know about Jalen Sera, the man who’s won her heart.
Gauff and Sera’s story began long before her rise to world No. 2, rooted in a charming twist of fate. Sera, born April 26, 2002, in Durham, North Carolina, and raised in Atlanta, was once a fourth-grade student in the classroom of Gauff’s mother, Candi Gauff, a former track athlete turned educator. “My mom always said, if they’re bad in school, they’re probably bad as adults,” Gauff shared in a 2024 TIME interview, echoing Candi’s approval of Sera as a “smart, nice kid.” Years later, their paths crossed again, sparking a connection that evolved into Gauff’s “first real relationship.” She described dating someone outside the tennis world as “refreshing,” telling TIME, “To just have someone to talk to who is not involved in tennis at all gives me a fresh perspective.”
The couple kept their romance under wraps for much of their two years together, with Gauff dropping subtle hints through social media and interviews. Fans first caught wind of Sera during the 2023 US Open, when Gauff revealed how a late-night call with her boyfriend calmed her nerves before her first Grand Slam win. “Last night, I started to get into my own head a little bit, but honestly, I just called my boyfriend, and I told him let’s talk until it’s time to go to sleep, so we spoke until 1:00 a.m.,” she said in a press conference. That support proved pivotal, as Gauff lifted the trophy the next day. Sera’s presence became more visible in 2024, with sightings at her Miami Open matches alongside her family and a “soft launch” mirror selfie at Tyler, the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival in November.
Their relationship went Instagram official in June 2025, coinciding with their two-year anniversary. In a BOSE promotional video, Gauff beamed while identifying a voice saying, “Just wanted to say you’re the absolute coolest person ever. I’m so proud of you. You’re doing great, and I love you.” Blushing, she confirmed, “That’s my boyfriend, and today’s actually our two-year anniversary.” Days later, Gauff shared an Atlanta photo dump captioned “atl,” featuring a cozy selfie with Sera and an escape room snap, to which he commented, “🔓!!!” and “Get in dereeee.” These public displays of affection, coupled with Sera’s supportive posts—like calling Gauff a “warrior” after her 2025 Italian Open semifinal win—have endeared the couple to fans.
Sera, a 23-year-old guitarist with ambitions in acting, maintains a low profile despite his growing visibility. His IMDb credits include roles in short films like *Honest T* (2022) and *Troll* (2023), and he’s reportedly applying to music school to hone his craft. Unlike Gauff’s high-pressure world, Sera’s creative pursuits offer her a grounding escape. She told Vogue in 2024, “He’s a very nice guy. He’s in school now. He wants to be an actor and he plays the guitar.” Their shared moments, from reading challenges (aiming for 25 books in 2024) to Valentine’s Day gestures like Sera’s bouquet of roses with a note reading, “Happy Valentine’s Day, star! I love you,” reveal a bond built on mutual support and playful chemistry.
As Gauff navigates a stacked Berlin Open field with a seven-match winning streak, Sera remains her steadfast cheerleader, offering a glimpse of stability amid her whirlwind career. Their story, from a fourth-grade classroom to courtside celebrations, is a testament to love’s ability to thrive outside the spotlight. With Gauff eyeing Wimbledon glory and Sera carving his own path, this young couple’s journey promises more heartwarming chapters to come.
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