In the vibrant heart of Miami, where the beats of eclectic music pulse through the night air, tennis sensation Coco Gauff took a well-deserved break from the courts to immerse herself in the electrifying atmosphere of the III Points Music Festival. Fresh off her triumphant victory at the Wuhan Open, where she clinched the title against fellow American Jessica Pegula, the 21-year-old star traded her racket for festival vibes, joining her boyfriend Jalen Sera for an unforgettable evening at Mana Wynwood.
The multi-day event, known for its cutting-edge lineup of international artists blending electronic, hip-hop, and experimental sounds, drew crowds eager to escape into a world of lights, rhythms, and creativity. On Friday, the spotlight shone on Thundercat, the enigmatic singer, composer, and producer whose real name is Stephen Lee Bruner. Famous for his masterful bass lines that fuse jazz, funk, and soul into otherworldly grooves, Thundercat was midway through his North American fall tour. Kicking off in Atlanta on October 15, the tour promised stops in major cities like Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Brooklyn, Chicago, and Toronto, delivering performances that captivate with their improvisational flair and infectious energy.
Gauff and Sera, clearly in sync, were spotted soaking it all in during Thundercat’s set. The couple shared glimpses of their night on social media, capturing the raw excitement of the moment. Gauff posted photos from the concert, her caption simply reading “man..” – a understated expression that spoke volumes about the awe-inspiring performance unfolding before them. Sera echoed the sentiment by uploading his own shot from the crowd, hinting at the shared joy of the experience. Amid the throbbing bass and colorful stage lights, the pair appeared lost in the music, swaying and vibing as Thundercat shredded on his guitar, his dreadlocks swinging and his voice weaving through the melodies.
This outing highlights a softer side of Gauff, who has skyrocketed to fame as a two-time Grand Slam champion. Her journey in tennis has been nothing short of remarkable, bursting onto the scene as a prodigy and solidifying her status with major wins, including her breakthrough at the 2023 US Open. But beyond the intense training sessions and high-stakes matches, Gauff values the balance that personal relationships bring to her life. She and Sera have been together since 2023, their connection rooted in a charming Atlanta backstory: Gauff’s mother, Candi, once taught Sera in fourth grade, creating an unexpected link between their worlds.
Reflecting on their bond, Gauff has openly shared how Sera provides a grounding influence. In one candid moment, she described him as bringing a “fresh perspective” because he’s completely outside the tennis bubble. “This is my first real relationship,” she admitted. “To just have someone to talk to who is not involved in tennis at all gives me a fresh perspective.” This support proved crucial during pivotal moments in her career. Ahead of her 2023 US Open final, when nerves threatened to overwhelm her, Gauff turned to Sera for comfort. “Last night, I started [to get anxious] 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. and then I went to sleep,” she recalled. That late-night conversation helped her center herself, leading to a victorious performance on the court.
Sera, an aspiring actor and musician based in Atlanta, complements Gauff’s driven personality with his own creative pursuits. He’s been her cheerleader through highs and lows, celebrating her achievements in heartfelt ways. After her Wuhan Open win, he shared a photo of her hoisting the trophy, captioning it with an exuberant “AWOOOOOOO!!” – a playful howl that captured his pride and affection. Gauff, in turn, has praised his patience, especially when her strong-willed nature comes into play. During the 2025 Cincinnati Open, she laughed as she noted, “When they listen (laughs)… No, patience. I know I can be like very much, I want things done my way, so my boyfriend’s a really patient person.”
Their relationship went public in a sweet fashion back in June, when Gauff posted a video marking their second anniversary. In it, she called him “the absolute coolest person ever… I love you,” a declaration that resonated with fans who admire her authenticity both on and off the court. Moments like their festival date underscore the importance of downtime for athletes like Gauff, who juggle grueling schedules with the demands of young adulthood. The III Points Festival, with its immersive art installations and diverse musical acts, offered the perfect escape – a chance to recharge amid the neon glow and communal energy of Miami’s nightlife.
As Thundercat’s tour continues to roll through North America, blending genres and pushing musical boundaries, Gauff’s appearance at the show reminds us that even world-class athletes need spaces to unwind and connect. For her and Sera, it’s these shared adventures that strengthen their partnership, providing a counterbalance to the spotlight of professional sports. Whether it’s late-night talks or festival grooves, their story is one of mutual support, youthful romance, and the simple joy of vibing to great music together.
In a world where Gauff’s calendar is packed with tournaments and endorsements, these glimpses into her personal life humanize the star, showing that success is as much about the people who stand by you as it is about the trophies. As she eyes future challenges on the tennis circuit, including potential runs at more Grand Slams, her time with Sera at events like III Points serves as a reminder: sometimes, the best way to prepare for the next big match is to let loose and feel the rhythm of life.
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