Coco Gauff’s historic victory at the 2025 French Open, where she clinched her second Grand Slam title by defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set final, marked a defining moment in her career. The 21-year-old American, now a two-time major champion, showcased her resilience and tactical brilliance on the windy clay of Roland Garros. Yet, amidst the celebrations, a lighthearted exchange with her boyfriend, Jalen Sera, over a seemingly trivial detail—a cantaloupe—offered fans a delightful glimpse into the personal life of the tennis prodigy. “Cantaloupe sux!!!!!!” Sera, an Atlanta-based musician, quipped on social media, playfully contradicting Gauff’s fondness for the fruit, which she revealed was once her childhood nickname. This charming banter underscored the couple’s easy rapport, adding a touch of warmth to Gauff’s monumental achievement.
The Roland Garros final was a battle of grit and adaptability. Gauff, trailing after a 77-minute first set lost in a tiebreak, recalibrated her approach, telling herself to “loosen up” and play freely. “I was able to loosen up after that and play a little bit freer,” she later shared, reflecting on her mental shift. Her speed and defensive prowess frustrated Sabalenka, who unraveled with over 70 unforced errors. Gauff’s 6-2, 6-4 surge in the second and third sets sealed the victory, making her the first American woman to win the French Open since Serena Williams in 2015. The emotional weight of the moment was palpable as Gauff collapsed onto the clay, her hands cupped in disbelief, before sharing a heartfelt hug with director Spike Lee courtside. “I didn’t think honestly that I could do it,” she admitted, quoting rapper Tyler, The Creator in her victory speech: “If I ever told you I had a doubt inside me, I must be lying.”
Off the court, Gauff’s relationship with Sera, which she made public in November 2024, has been a grounding force. The couple’s cantaloupe debate unfolded during a quiet post-tournament meal, a rare moment of normalcy for the world No. 2. Gauff’s revelation that “Cantaloupe” was a childhood nickname added a layer of humor, highlighting the comfort she finds in Sera’s presence. “This is my first real relationship,” she told reporters earlier in 2024, noting that Sera’s distance from the tennis world offers her a “fresh perspective.” A smart and kind Atlanta native, Sera was once a student of Gauff’s mother, Candi, who praised him as “always a smart, nice kid.” His artistic ambitions—pursuing music school and acting—complement Gauff’s high-octane career, and his support, from late-night calls before big matches to thoughtful gifts like a silver infinity necklace, has been a quiet strength.
Gauff’s journey to this title was one of transformation. After a tearful loss to Iga Swiatek in the 2022 Roland Garros final, she faced self-doubt and technical challenges, particularly with her serve and forehand. Yet, her mental fortitude, lauded by coach Jean-Christophe Faurel as her “greatest strength,” shone through. “Mentally there is nobody stronger in the women’s game,” said former player Greg Rusedski, marveling at her ability to stay composed in tough conditions. Her path to the final included victories over major champions like Swiatek and Madison Keys, and a dominant semifinal against French wildcard Loïs Boisson. Gauff’s pre-final ritual, inspired by Olympic sprinter Gabby Thomas, saw her write “I will be the French Open 2025 champion” eight times on a hotel notepad, a manifestation of her unwavering belief.
As Gauff paraded the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen through Paris’s Place de la Concorde, clad in a chic Miu Miu ensemble, her triumph resonated far beyond the court. Congratulations poured in from Michelle and Barack Obama, Billie Jean King, and Martina Navratilova, cementing her status as a global icon. Now, with Wimbledon on the horizon, Gauff aims to conquer grass, a surface where she’s yet to break through despite reaching the fourth round three times. The cantaloupe quip with Sera, though minor, reflects the balance she’s struck between stardom and simplicity. As she prepares for the next challenge, Gauff’s blend of tenacity, talent, and relatability—down to her love for a debated fruit—ensures her star will only burn brighter.
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