Coco Gauff and Jalen Sera: A love story beyond the tennis court

As Coco Gauff continues to dominate the tennis world, her personal life has quietly blossomed into a captivating narrative of love and support. The 21-year-old American tennis sensation, fresh off her second Grand Slam triumph at the 2025 French Open, has confirmed her relationship with Jalen Sera, an Atlanta-based musician and aspiring actor. Their romance, which began in the spring of 2023, was officially unveiled in a heartwarming BOSE promotional video, where Gauff blushed while listening to Sera’s affectionate “I love you” message, marking their two-year anniversary. “That’s my boyfriend,” she said with a smile, adding, “Today’s actually our two-year anniversary.” This milestone has given fans a rare glimpse into a private love story that complements Gauff’s meteoric rise on the WTA Tour.

Gauff and Sera’s connection is rooted in a charming backstory that predates her global fame. Sera, a North Carolina native raised in Atlanta, was a fourth-grade student of Gauff’s mother, Candi, a former track athlete turned educator. “My mom always said, if they’re bad in school, they’re probably bad as adults. He’s always been a smart, nice kid,” Candi told Time magazine in 2024, giving her seal of approval. Years later, their paths crossed again, and what began as a childhood acquaintance evolved into a deep, supportive partnership. Gauff has emphasized how Sera’s life outside tennis provides balance. “To just have someone to talk to who is not involved in tennis at all gives me a fresh perspective,” she shared in a 2024 interview, highlighting how their differences enrich their bond.

Sera, 22, is a multi-talented artist with ambitions in music and acting. Known for his guitar skills and roles in projects like *Honest T* (2022) and *Troll* (2023), he maintains a low profile but is a vocal cheerleader for Gauff. After her grueling 3.5-hour Italian Open semifinal win over Qinwen Zheng in May 2025, Sera posted “Warrior” on Instagram, a nod to her resilience. He celebrated her French Open victory with a reshared Roland Garros post, calling her “Star.” Their playful dynamic shone through in a lighthearted disagreement over cantaloupe during a post-Paris meal, with Gauff embracing her childhood nickname “Cantaloupe” while Sera quipped, “Cantaloupe sux !!!!” on social media. “This was a great day. Thank you, thank you, thank you,” he wrote in response to Gauff’s birthday post for him and his twin brother, Terence, in April 2025, reminiscing about a joyful picnic they shared.

Gauff’s 2025 season has been a testament to her growing dominance, with titles at the China Open, WTA Finals, and French Open, where she outlasted Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 final. Her seven-match winning streak and No. 2 WTA ranking reflect her prowess, but off the court, Sera’s support has been a quiet strength. Before her 2023 US Open win, Gauff leaned on late-night talks with him to calm her nerves. “I just called my boyfriend, and I told him let’s talk until it’s time to go to sleep,” she said, recounting how they spoke until 1 a.m. before the final. His presence at U.S. tournaments and thoughtful gestures, like gifting her an infinity necklace during her 2023 US Open run, underscore their bond. “I’m sure a lot of relationships look up to that symbol,” Gauff noted, cherishing the gesture.

The couple’s shared moments, from attending Tyler, the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival in November 2024 to a casual Atlanta escape room adventure, reveal a grounded, youthful romance. Gauff’s Instagram post captioned “atl” included a mirror selfie with Sera, who commented “🔓!!!” and “Get in dereeee,” celebrating their escape room win. Their plans for a road trip to Oregon, complete with a playlist featuring Childish Gambino and Kaytranada, reflect their shared love for adventure. “He’s a very nice guy. He’s about to apply for music school. He wants to be an actor and he plays the guitar,” Gauff told Vogue in 2024, dispelling rumors of a tennis-world romance, including with Ben Shelton. “Some people thought it was someone in tennis, and that couldn’t be further from the truth,” she clarified.

As Gauff prepares for the Berlin Tennis Open on June 16, 2025, with a first-round bye in a stacked field featuring nine of the Top 10 players, her momentum is undeniable. Sera’s unwavering support, from heartfelt Instagram comments like “One of one💫” to his presence in her player’s box, adds a personal dimension to her journey. “I think I felt like I just, some parts of myself I love to share and then some parts I just keep to myself,” Gauff said, explaining her approach to privacy. With Sera by her side, Gauff is not only chasing Wimbledon glory but also building a love story that resonates beyond the tennis court, blending her superstar status with a refreshingly authentic romance.

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