Coco Gauff is wasting no time savoring her well-deserved break after capturing the WTA Finals title in Riyadh. Following a triumphant season finale, Gauff’s holiday period is all about enjoying life, including quality moments with her boyfriend, Jalen Sera. The couple recently made headlines with their public appearance at the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival in California—a star-studded music event hosted by Tyler, the Creator. As festival-goers soaked in the music and vibrant atmosphere at Dodger Stadium, Gauff was spotted having an unforgettable time alongside Jalen and friends. But for the 20-year-old tennis sensation, the fun wasn’t limited to music. She soon transitioned from concert thrills to arcade games, displaying yet another side of her competitive spirit.
This year has been a whirlwind for Gauff. She endured her share of setbacks, including inconsistent results at key tournaments like Wimbledon, the Canadian Open, Cincinnati Masters, and the US Open. The turmoil extended off the court as well when she parted ways with coach Brad Gilbert, leading fans to question her direction. Seeking a turnaround, Gauff teamed up with Matt Daly to fine-tune her serving technique and overall gameplay. The decision paid dividends, as a revitalized Gauff made her mark in the China Open, clinching the title. The crowning jewel of her season, however, was her stellar performance at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, where she became the first American in a decade—since Serena Williams—to secure the year-end championship.
With victory fresh in her mind, Gauff took to social media to share moments from her downtime, particularly from the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival. Sporting a relaxed demeanor, Gauff appeared to relish every moment with Jalen. Their festive outing was the perfect break for a champion who, not long ago, was fighting for every point on the court. Known for her love of adventure, Gauff didn’t stop at the concert. She soon found herself at an arcade, diving into the world of classic video games.
On Instagram, Gauff revealed a passion for retro arcade gaming, boasting about her prowess in the Pac-Man and Galaga games. “Y’all can’t touch me in Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga,” she captioned her story, accompanied by snapshots of her dominating the game. Her confident declaration hinted at a longstanding affection for arcade challenges—yet another testament to the competitive streak that defines her, whether on the tennis court or in gaming.
Behind the lighthearted moments and Instagram stories lies a remarkable achievement that continues to define Gauff’s career: her historic triumph in Riyadh. The victory wasn’t just significant in terms of prestige; it also came with a record-breaking prize purse. The WTA Finals in Riyadh boasted the highest prize money in the history of women’s tennis, surpassing even Ashleigh Barty’s $4.42 million payday five years ago. This year’s tournament featured a total prize pool of $15.25 million—$6.25 million more than last year’s event in Cancun. As the champion, Gauff walked away with a staggering $4.8 million. When she finally grasped the magnitude of her earnings, her reaction was as genuine as it was endearing.
“I didn’t know, jeez!” Gauff exclaimed, admitting she had no idea just how lucrative her victory was. “I knew it was some money, but I didn’t know it was that much! It means a lot to me… 4.8 million. Oh gosh. I hope I’m one of the highest-paid female tennis players or athletes this year. That would be exciting.” Yet, even in the face of such a financial windfall, Gauff remained humble, emphasizing that her motivation stemmed from the love of the sport rather than monetary gains. “Honestly, I wanted to win this for myself; I didn’t know about the prize cheque on this tour. I knew there was money, but I never play for this. But that is cool!” she said with a laugh.
When pressed on her plans for the newfound wealth, Gauff admitted she was unsure. “I don’t know,” she said. “I have bought a house, and I don’t really know what else I want other than that. I’m going to a musical festival next week. I’m not someone who likes to spend a lot of money, to be honest. I don’t know what I will do with it. That’s a lot of money!”
With the season now behind her, Gauff’s immediate focus is enjoying her downtime, making memories, and exploring interests beyond tennis. Whether it’s arcade gaming, music festivals, or simply spending time with loved ones, she’s making the most of her break. When the time comes to shift gears back to tennis, all eyes will be on her preparations for 2025. For now, however, she’s living in the moment—deservedly so—after a year marked by challenges, growth, and triumphant success. As one of the sport’s rising stars, Coco Gauff continues to captivate on and off the court, inspiring fans with her drive, resilience, and unyielding spirit.