Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old tennis prodigy and world No. 2, has been savoring a well-deserved break after a whirlwind 2025 season that saw her clinch her second Grand Slam title at the French Open, alongside victories at the China Open and WTA Finals in Riyadh. Following a shock first-round exit at Wimbledon to Dayana Yastremska, Gauff retreated to her home state of Florida for a rejuvenating escape with her boyfriend, Jalen Sera, an Atlanta-based musician and aspiring actor. Their serene canoeing adventure on Florida’s shimmering waterways, punctuated by an unexpected alligator sighting, offered fans a glimpse into their blossoming relationship, marked by playful banter and heartfelt moments. Gauff’s lighthearted teasing of Sera for “gatekeeping” their sunset photos has only amplified the charm of their off-court chemistry, captivating fans as she prepares for the North American hard-court swing.
The couple’s Florida outing, shared through vibrant Instagram Stories, painted a picture of tranquility and joy. Gauff posted a stunning image of a sunset glowing over a lake, with crystal-clear waters reflecting the golden hues, while Sera shared a snap of himself paddling their canoe, his silhouette framed against the serene backdrop. “No sunset pic 🫣,” Gauff teased in a comment on Sera’s post, to which he cheekily replied, “I’m gatekeeping the sights.” Gauff leaned into their playful dynamic, quipping, “Just a Taurus living like a Pisces for a week,” paired with a fish emoji from Sera, showcasing their shared humor and astrology-fueled banter. This adventure followed a memorable Fourth of July in Delray Beach, where the couple enjoyed fireworks, and a recent Atlanta date at Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour, where Gauff, dressed in cowboy-inspired attire, sang along and later gushed about Beyoncé waving at her during the show. “Beyonce waved at me during her show last night & I met the queen, Ms. Tina Knowles! I cannot believe my life,” she wrote on X, her excitement palpable.
Gauff and Sera’s relationship, which they made Instagram-official in June 2025 after celebrating their two-year anniversary, has roots in a charming backstory. Sera, born in Durham, North Carolina, and 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,” Gauff shared in a 2024 TIME interview, highlighting the foundation of their bond. Their connection deepened in spring 2023, and Sera has since become her emotional anchor, notably calming her nerves before her 2023 US Open triumph. “I just called my boyfriend, and I told him let’s talk until it’s time to go to sleep,” Gauff recalled after that final, noting they spoke until 1 a.m. His support shone again during a BOSE promotional video in June 2025, where Gauff blushed hearing his heartfelt message: “Just wanted to say you’re the absolute coolest person ever. I’m so proud of you. You’re doing great, and I love you.” Beaming, she revealed, “That’s my boyfriend, and today’s actually our two-year anniversary.”
Their public moments, from a mirror selfie in Atlanta to an escape room victory with friends, reflect a relationship that balances Gauff’s high-octane career with grounded, youthful fun. Sera’s one-word tributes like “Warrior” after her grueling 3.5-hour Italian Open semifinal win over Qinwen Zheng, or “Regal” for her 2025 Oscars look, show his quiet pride. Gauff values his non-tennis perspective, saying, “To just have someone to talk to who is not involved in tennis at all gives me a fresh perspective.” Their shared adventures, like attending Tyler, The Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival in November 2024, where Gauff was name-dropped in a song, add a cultural flair to their story. “My boyfriend is like, ‘Watch, he’s going to drop you in a song.’ I was like, ‘That’s never going to happen.’ Three weeks later, it happened,” she laughed.
As Gauff gears up for the National Bank Open in Montreal as the top seed, her Florida break with Sera underscores her ability to find joy amid professional setbacks. Her serving struggles at Wimbledon, with nine double faults, highlighted technical gaps, but her positive mindset and support system suggest a strong rebound on hard courts, her strongest surface. With Sera by her side, cheering from Atlanta or the stands, Gauff’s journey—both on and off the court—continues to inspire, blending athletic brilliance with relatable, heartfelt moments.
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