Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American tennis sensation, has captivated the world with her meteoric rise, from her stunning 2019 Wimbledon breakthrough at age 15 to her 2023 US Open triumph and 2025 French Open victory. As the world No. 2 and a beacon for young athletes, Gauff’s on-court exploits—nine WTA titles, including four in 2023 alone—have made her a household name. Yet, off the court, her private life, particularly her relationship with Atlanta-based aspiring actor and musician Jalen Sera, has sparked intrigue among fans. The couple, who recently celebrated their two-year anniversary, confirmed their romance in a heartwarming moment during a promotional video, offering a rare glimpse into Gauff’s personal world. Their story, rooted in a charming childhood connection, is as compelling as her forehand.
Gauff’s relationship with Sera, born April 26, 2002, in Durham, North Carolina, and raised in Atlanta, began in spring 2023. Their bond has a unique backstory: Sera 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 an April 2024 interview with TIME, echoing her mother’s approval. This early connection resurfaced years later, blossoming into what Gauff calls her “first real relationship.” She values Sera’s non-tennis background, noting, “To just have someone to talk to who is not involved in tennis at all gives me a fresh perspective.” Their romance, kept largely private until recently, has been marked by subtle social media hints, from festival photos to supportive comments, culminating in a public declaration that melted hearts.
The couple went Instagram official in June 2025, during a BOSE promotional video where Gauff played a “What’s That Sound?” game, identifying voices from her life. When Sera’s message played—“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”—Gauff beamed, revealing, “That’s my boyfriend, and today’s actually our two-year anniversary. So, that’s very nice. Aww, he didn’t tell me about that.” The moment, coinciding with her French Open triumph over Aryna Sabalenka (6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4), showcased their emotional bond. Sera, a guitarist with acting credits in short films like *Honest T* and *Troll*, has been a constant supporter, attending matches in Miami and celebrating Gauff’s 3.5-hour Italian Open semi-final win over Qinwen Zheng in May 2025 with a heartfelt Instagram Story post: “Warrior.”
Their relationship thrives on shared moments away from the spotlight. Gauff’s November 2024 Instagram post from Tyler, The Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival in Los Angeles included a snap with Sera, hinting at their chemistry. A June 2025 Atlanta photo dump featured a cozy mirror selfie and an escape room victory, with Sera commenting “🔓!!!” and “Get in dereeee.” Their playful dynamic shone through in a lighthearted Instagram exchange over cantaloupe, with Gauff embracing her childhood nickname “Cantaloupe” while Sera quipped, “Cantaloupe sux!!!!!!” Gauff’s love for non-tennis activities with Sera, like road trips to Oregon or reading challenges, keeps her grounded. “My boyfriend, he’ll probably come to maybe some tournaments in the U.S. It’s just a little bit easier than coming to Europe,” she told People in June 2024.
Sera’s support has been pivotal during high-stakes moments. Before her 2023 US Open final, Gauff leaned on him to calm her nerves, saying, “Last night, I started 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.” The next day, she clinched her first Grand Slam title. His presence, often alongside her family, including Candi and brothers Codey and Cameron, has strengthened their bond. Gauff’s February 2025 Valentine’s Day post, featuring roses and a note from Sera—“Happy Valentine’s Day, star! I love you. What we have will mean everything to me, forever and always”—highlighted their deepening connection.
As Gauff prepares for the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, where she aims to improve on her third-round exit, her relationship with Sera remains a cornerstone of her resilience. “I think I felt like I just, some parts of myself I love to share and then some parts I think I just keep to myself,” she told People in March 2024, emphasizing her balance of fame and privacy. With Sera’s quiet pride—seen in posts like “Regal 💫” for her 2025 Oscars yellow Miu Miu gown—Gauff’s journey, both on and off the court, continues to inspire, proving that love and ambition can harmonize beautifully.
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