You can take a player off the court, but you can never take the court out of the player—this sentiment rings especially true when it comes to Coco Gauff. Despite enjoying some well-deserved downtime after a stellar season, the American tennis sensation’s connection to her sport remains undeniable. Her remarkable year, capped by a prestigious victory at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, showcased her growth and dominance on the court. With a string of career milestones under her belt, Gauff could have easily taken a complete break from tennis, but even during her off-season, she found herself back in the spotlight in an unexpected way.
While most professional athletes might take a complete hiatus after such a groundbreaking year, Coco Gauff’s recent off-court adventures have been far from conventional. After an intense season, she decided to unwind and enjoy a change of pace, spending quality time with close friends and family. But true to her nature, tennis has remained a constant in her life, even if she wasn’t actively on the court. Gauff recently attended Tyler, the Creator’s annual Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival in California—a music festival that draws celebrities, music lovers, and creative minds from across the country.
Accompanied by her boyfriend Jalen Sera and a few close friends, Gauff was living it up at the star-studded event. However, what unfolded during this seemingly ordinary outing was a delightful surprise for her followers. Gauff’s fun-loving and spontaneous nature was on full display when she shared a video from the festival’s side-lines. While most festivalgoers would have been content with dancing or enjoying the music, Gauff couldn’t resist the call of the sport she loves. In a hilarious and unexpected twist, the tennis champion found herself on the tennis court with American singer and songwriter Faye Webster—who, as it turns out, shares her love for the sport.
Gauff, ever the down-to-earth personality, posted the moment to her Instagram story with the caption, “ntm on my jorts it was all I had lolll wasn’t planning on hitting,” referencing her casual outfit, which was far from her usual tennis attire. The post immediately went viral, drawing laughter and admiration from fans who marveled at Gauff’s ability to turn even the most casual moments into something memorable. The laid-back vibe of the post highlighted Gauff’s lighthearted approach to life, even though she was surrounded by such high-profile moments.
Her appearance at the festival wasn’t the only surprising aspect of the outing. Fans also couldn’t help but notice a noticeable change in Gauff’s appearance—her signature braids were swapped for a sleek, chic, hair-down look, making for a fresh, new style that turned heads both in the tennis world and beyond. This shift in her appearance seemed to mirror her transition into the off-season. It’s clear that Gauff is determined to fully embrace her break from tennis, taking the time to focus on herself, her style, and her personal life. Yet, the impromptu tennis session with Faye Webster demonstrated that the sport is always lurking just around the corner for Gauff, regardless of whether or not she’s actively playing professionally.
Faye Webster, who also happens to be a big fan of tennis, is no stranger to the sport. In fact, she has openly discussed her passion for the game in previous interviews. In a conversation with The Cut earlier this year, Webster revealed how often she picks up a racquet. “When I’m touring, it’s almost every day, and then when I’m home, a couple times a week,” Webster explained. She also shared her admiration for Gauff, noting, “I really like Naomi Osaka because she’s vulnerable. And I like following Coco Gauff.” The connection between Gauff and Webster seemed to blossom naturally, given their shared love for tennis, and the two seemed to enjoy the playful moment on the court together.
While it was an unexpected moment for Gauff’s fans, it highlighted the fact that even during her time off, the love for tennis never fully fades. Whether it’s a random hit with a friend or simply keeping up with the sport in her personal time, Gauff’s connection to tennis is undeniable. However, beyond her tennis skills, Gauff has also made her mark as a role model and cultural icon, inspiring fans not only with her athletic achievements but with her authenticity and grounded personality.
But Gauff’s time away from the sport has not just been about tennis, of course. She has been spending quality time with her boyfriend, Jalen Sera, and the two have often shared sweet moments together on social media. Gauff and Sera’s relationship has captured the hearts of fans, with the couple frequently posting adorable photos and heartfelt messages to each other. Gauff’s Instagram feed recently featured a string of pictures from her California trip, where she looked radiant with her new hairstyle and chic makeover. In several of the photos, she’s seen alongside Sera and their friends, enjoying the vibrant energy of the festival and the company of loved ones.
Sera, ever the supportive partner, couldn’t resist commenting on one of Gauff’s posts, writing, “Hall of fame campers,” referring to their fun experience at the festival. Gauff responded with a playful and affectionate message of her own, writing, “GOAT campers,” playfully elevating their status to legendary status in the world of festival-goers. Their easygoing, fun-loving relationship is another side of Gauff that fans are eager to see, as she continues to prove that there’s more to her than just tennis.
With the 2024 season now behind her, Gauff is looking forward to a much-needed break before the 2025 season begins. While it’s still over a month before she returns to the court, fans are eagerly awaiting more glimpses into her off-court life. Will Gauff continue to share fun moments like this with her followers? Will she continue to explore new interests and aspects of her personality? One thing is for certain: Gauff is thriving, and no matter where she goes, whether it’s a tennis court or a music festival, she’s sure to make her mark.
As the tennis world awaits her return to action, Gauff’s fans can take comfort in the knowledge that the 20-year-old superstar is making the most of her downtime. From spontaneous tennis sessions with friends to enjoying festivals with her boyfriend, it’s clear that Gauff is living her best life both on and off the court. And when the time comes for her to return to competitive play, the tennis world will no doubt be watching, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the young champion’s incredible career.