In the whirlwind of professional tennis, where every moment is a high-stakes battle, Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American tennis sensation, has found a way to balance her competitive drive with a deeply personal touch. During her recent run at the 2025 National Bank Open in Montreal, where she holds the No. 1 seed, Gauff shared a rare glimpse into her off-court life, revealing a heartfelt gesture that showcases her softer side. In a candid moment captured by Tennis Channel’s “Serving up Kindness” segment, Gauff described an intricate anniversary gift she crafted for her boyfriend, Jalen Sera, a labor of love that took her nearly half a day to complete.
“It was like this scrapbook situation,” Gauff said with a warm smile, her eyes lighting up as she recounted the effort. “It took me like four or five hours to make. It was pretty intricate. It wasn’t your average scrapbook.” This thoughtful creation, a testament to her affection for Sera, was a surprise for their two-year anniversary, celebrated earlier this summer. The couple, who went Instagram-official in June 2025 after Gauff’s triumphant French Open victory, has captivated fans with their charming dynamic, blending playful banter with unwavering support.
Gauff and Sera’s relationship, which began in 2023, has a unique backstory that adds a layer of charm to their bond. Sera, an Atlanta-based musician and aspiring actor, was once a fourth-grade student in the classroom of Gauff’s mother, Candi, a former track athlete turned educator. Candi fondly recalled Sera as a “smart, nice kid,” a sentiment that seems to have carried into adulthood. Years later, their paths crossed again, sparking what Gauff has described as her “first real relationship.” In a 2024 interview with TIME, she shared how Sera’s perspective, untainted by the world of professional tennis, provides her with a refreshing escape. “To just have someone to talk to who is not involved in tennis at all gives me a fresh perspective,” she said.
The anniversary scrapbook wasn’t the first time Gauff and Sera’s connection has melted hearts. Their social media exchanges are filled with lighthearted moments, like when Gauff teased Sera for not including a sunset photo in his Instagram post from their Florida getaway, commenting, “No sunset pic.” Sera playfully responded, “I’m gatekeeping the sights,” to which Gauff quipped, “Just a Taurus living like a Pisces for a week,” prompting a fish emoji reply from Sera. These interactions highlight a relationship grounded in mutual support and playful chemistry, a balance Gauff cherishes amidst her high-profile career.
On the court, Gauff’s 2025 season has been nothing short of spectacular. Fresh off her second Grand Slam title at the French Open, where she defeated World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling comeback, Gauff has also secured titles at the China Open and WTA Finals in Riyadh. Her Montreal campaign began with a hard-fought three-set victory over Danielle Collins, setting the stage for a potential showdown with Veronika Kudermetova in the third round. Off the court, Gauff’s ability to carve out meaningful moments, like crafting a scrapbook for Sera, underscores her grounded nature. “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 2024, emphasizing her desire to maintain privacy despite her fame.
Sera, too, has been a constant source of support. Whether resharing Gauff’s victories on Instagram with captions like “Warrior” or comforting her during late-night calls before major matches, he’s proven to be her rock. Gauff recalled a pivotal moment before her 2023 US Open win, when nerves threatened to overwhelm her. “I just called my boyfriend, and I told him let’s talk until it’s time to go to sleep,” she said. They spoke until 1 a.m., helping her find calm before clinching her first Grand Slam title.
As Gauff continues her quest for dominance on the hard courts of Montreal and beyond, with the US Open looming, her relationship with Sera remains a cornerstone of her life. The intricate scrapbook, a labor-intensive gift that took hours to perfect, symbolizes more than just an anniversary celebration—it’s a reflection of Gauff’s ability to nurture love and creativity amid the pressures of stardom. Fans eagerly await her next moves, both in tennis and in her heartwarming romance with Sera, a partnership that proves even champions find time for love.
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