Coco Gauff, one of tennis’s brightest young stars, has captivated audiences around the world with her on-court prowess and off-court charisma. At just 20 years old, she has already made history, defeating legends like Venus Williams and winning her first Grand Slam at the 2023 US Open. But as Gauff navigates the global tennis circuit, she understands the importance of maintaining a balance between her professional career and personal life. With Wimbledon on the horizon and the Paris Olympics approaching, the tennis sensation recently shared some personal insights that have intrigued fans, particularly regarding her relationship.
### Gauff’s Boyfriend: A Mystery Partially Revealed
For months, fans have speculated about Gauff’s romantic life, particularly linking her to Jalen Sera, a musician and artist. While Gauff has kept her personal life relatively private, she recently opened up in an interview with *PEOPLE*, confirming she does indeed have a boyfriend. This revelation marks a significant step for Gauff, who has previously been careful about disclosing details of her romantic relationships.
During the interview, Gauff shared, “My boyfriend, he’ll probably come to maybe some tournaments in the US. It’s just a little bit easier than coming to Europe.” This statement suggests that while her partner might not travel extensively with her on the European circuit, he provides support during key moments in the United States. The upcoming hard-court season, including tournaments like the US Open Series, offers opportunities for fans to spot him cheering her on from the stands.
### The Olympics: A Long-Awaited Debut
The 2024 Paris Olympics represent a particularly emotional milestone for Gauff. She was previously selected for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 but had to withdraw after testing positive for COVID-19. Reflecting on that disappointment, Gauff acknowledged the significance of finally getting her chance to compete on the Olympic stage. “I think just right now my mom and dad [will be there] because it’s in Paris… it’s far away from home,” she said. Her parents, who have been instrumental in her journey, will be present to support her as she represents the United States.
Gauff’s qualification for the Olympics is a remarkable achievement in itself. She became the first American player to mathematically secure a spot, thanks to her consistent performance over the 12-month qualifying period. By the end of the window in early June, she was ranked within the top four American women in singles, ensuring her place on Team USA. This accomplishment adds another feather to her cap, highlighting her consistency and determination on the global stage.
### Rekindling Old Passions: Gauff’s Love for Reading
Beyond tennis, Gauff has been rediscovering her love for reading. The 20-year-old took time away from the courts ahead of the eco-trans Ladies Open, using the opportunity to dive into her ever-growing “to-be-read” pile. “The reading challenge started because I loved reading as a kid, and I kind of lost it when I got older,” she explained. Her passion for books has been rekindled, in part, due to her boyfriend’s influence.
Gauff shared how her competitive spirit extends beyond tennis: “At first, my goal was to read 12 books, one per month. Then my boyfriend has this thing where he reads the number of books corresponding to the year we’re in, so 24 in 2024, 23 in 2023.” Not one to back down from a challenge, Gauff doubled her goal. “So when he said he was going to read 24, I got super competitive and I matched his goal. Now, I’m trying to finish faster than him.”
She proudly revealed that she’s currently winning the friendly competition. “I’m two books ahead, so I’m winning right now,” she said with a smile. This playful rivalry adds a charming dimension to her relationship, giving fans a glimpse into her life beyond the tennis court.
### Social Media Hints: Is Gauff Soft-Launching Her Relationship?
While Gauff has yet to officially confirm her boyfriend’s identity, her interactions on social media have fueled speculation. Jalen Sera, an artist and musician with over 8,000 Instagram followers, is often at the center of these rumors. His posts frequently feature artistic images, to which Gauff almost always responds. In January, she left a series of comments on his posts, including playful emojis and affectionate messages. In one post where Sera appeared in boxing attire on stage, Gauff commented, “yayyyyy,” reflecting her supportive and playful nature.
In another instance, she pointed out his necklace with moon and chain emojis, prompting a flirtatious exchange. Sera replied, “@cocogauff, you know I had to do it for you ;),” suggesting that some of his posts are indeed meant for her. These social media interactions, coupled with Gauff’s recent revelations, have convinced fans that Sera is likely the unnamed boyfriend she has been referring to.
### Who is Jalen Sera?
Jalen Sera is a rising musician known for his artistic style and engaging social media presence. With more than 8,000 followers on Instagram and a YouTube channel boasting 3,500 subscribers, Sera is carving out his own path in the creative world. His posts often feature snapshots of his musical journey, and Gauff’s frequent comments highlight the strong bond they share. The couple’s playful exchanges on social media have only added to the intrigue, with fans eagerly following their interactions for more clues about their relationship.
### Balancing Fame, Love, and Ambition
As Coco Gauff continues to rise in the tennis world, she remains grounded by the support of her family and loved ones. Her candid insights into her relationship and personal interests reflect a maturity beyond her years. Whether she’s competing on the court, reading a new book, or sharing playful moments with her boyfriend, Gauff embodies a balance of ambition and authenticity that resonates with fans worldwide.
With Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics on the horizon, all eyes will be on Gauff as she aims to add more titles to her growing legacy. And while her boyfriend may not always be in the stands, his influence and support clearly play a significant role in her journey—both on and off the court.