After a surprising first-round exit at Wimbledon 2025, Coco Gauff, the World No. 2 and two-time Grand Slam champion, traded the grass courts of London for the serene lakes of Florida, where she unwound with her boyfriend, Jalen Sera, in a much-needed escape. The 21-year-old American tennis sensation shared glimpses of their romantic retreat on social media, revealing a playful side of their relationship that had fans buzzing. The couple’s canoe adventure, complete with a sunset paddle and an unexpected alligator encounter, offered a rare peek into Gauff’s off-court life as she prepares for the North American hard-court swing.
Gauff, fresh off her second Grand Slam title at the 2025 French Open, faced a setback at Wimbledon, falling to Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska in a stunning 6-4, 6-3 upset. The loss marked a rare early exit for the 2023 US Open champion, prompting her to return to her home state for a reset. Alongside Sera, an Atlanta-based musician and aspiring actor, Gauff embraced the tranquility of Florida’s waterways, paddling into a vibrant sunset that painted the sky in hues of orange and pink. “It was a beautiful evening,” Gauff shared via Instagram, posting a glowing photo of the lake at dusk and a candid shot of herself diving into the water with a carefree grin.
Sera, who has been dating Gauff since spring 2023, complemented her post with his own Instagram Story, capturing himself rowing their canoe with a focused yet relaxed demeanor. The couple’s lighthearted chemistry shone through in their social media exchange, with Gauff teasing Sera for omitting a sunset photo from his post. “No sunset pic 🫣,” she commented playfully, to which Sera cheekily replied, “I’m gatekeeping the sights.” Gauff leaned into their astrology-themed banter, quipping, “Just a Taurus living like a Pisces for a week,” prompting Sera to respond with a simple fish emoji. Their witty back-and-forth delighted fans, showcasing the easy rapport that has defined their two-year relationship.
The Florida getaway came at a pivotal moment for Gauff, who has been balancing the demands of a grueling 2025 season with her blossoming personal life. After her French Open triumph over Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling 6-7, 6-2, 6-4 final, Gauff solidified her status as a tennis titan, adding to her 2023 US Open crown. Her 10 WTA singles titles, including the 2024 China Open and WTA Finals, reflect a dominant year, despite occasional setbacks like Wimbledon. The Florida trip, which followed a vibrant date at Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour in Atlanta, offered a chance to recharge before WTA 1000 events in Montreal and Cincinnati, leading up to the US Open.
Gauff and Sera’s bond, rooted in a unique backstory, adds depth to their public moments. Sera, a former fourth-grade student of Gauff’s mother, Candi, reconnected with Coco years later, sparking what Gauff calls her “first real relationship.” In a 2024 interview with Vogue, she described Sera as a “very nice guy” who brings a fresh perspective as someone outside the tennis world. “He’s in school now. He’s about to apply for music school. He wants to be an actor and he plays the guitar,” she said, highlighting his creative pursuits. Candi, a former track athlete turned educator, vouched for Sera’s character, telling TIME, “He’s always been a smart, nice kid.”
Their relationship has been a source of strength for Gauff, particularly during high-pressure moments. Before her 2023 US Open final, she relied on Sera to calm her nerves, sharing, “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 a.m. and then I went to sleep.” That support proved crucial as she clinched her first major title. Sera’s presence extends to the stands, where he’s been spotted cheering alongside Gauff’s family at tournaments like Miami and celebrating her wins, such as her Italian Open semifinal victory over Qinwen Zheng, which he called a “warrior” effort.
The Florida adventure wasn’t without its thrills, as the couple encountered a local alligator during their canoe ride, adding a dose of adrenaline to their serene outing. Gauff’s ability to find joy in these moments reflects her grounded approach to fame. “To just have someone to talk to who is not involved in tennis at all gives me a fresh perspective,” she told TIME in 2024, emphasizing how Sera helps her stay balanced amid the spotlight. Their shared experiences, from escape room victories in Atlanta to festival outings at Camp Flog Gnaw, highlight a relationship built on mutual support and shared adventures.
As Gauff gears up for the US Open, where she aims to reclaim her 2023 title, her Florida getaway with Sera underscores her ability to balance love and ambition. With a 72% win rate on hard courts and a second consecutive ESPY for Best Tennis Player in 2025, Gauff’s momentum is undeniable. Her playful yet profound connection with Sera, captured in their sunset-soaked Florida moments, offers fans a glimpse of the woman behind the racket—a champion who shines both on and off the court.
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