On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Jalen Sera, the boyfriend of tennis sensation Coco Gauff, warmed hearts with a touching Instagram post celebrating his father’s birthday. The aspiring actor and musician from Atlanta shared a heartfelt snapshot alongside his dad, accompanied by a message that resonated deeply with fans: “Happy birthday to the greatest to ever do it. I’m wishing you all the best, this year and for all the years to come. Nobody deserves it more than you man. Love you forever dad.” The post, brimming with sincerity, offered a glimpse into the personal side of Sera, whose relationship with Gauff has captivated the tennis world and beyond.
Sera, a 23-year-old artist with a passion for music and acting, has been dating Gauff, the 2023 US Open and 2025 French Open champion, for over two years, likely since before the 2023 US Open. Their romance, initially kept low-key, has gradually unfolded through subtle social media interactions and public appearances, from a Beyoncé concert to a Florida vacation. The couple’s bond, rooted in a shared Atlanta upbringing, is deepened by a unique connection: Gauff’s mother, Candi, was Sera’s fourth-grade teacher. “He’s always been a smart, nice kid,” Candi remarked in a 2024 interview, reflecting on the serendipitous link that brought the couple together years later.
The birthday tribute to his father underscores Sera’s grounded nature, a quality Gauff has often praised. In a recent interview with E! News, the world No. 3 shared how Sera provides emotional stability, especially after tough losses. “Honestly, after a good match, I just talk to my boyfriend, my friends, everyone, cause I’m in a good mood. When I lose, I would say just my boyfriend ’cause he is the only one that can take me and my mood after a loss,” Gauff said. This support was evident after her recent fourth-round exit to Naomi Osaka at the 2025 US Open, where Sera’s encouraging words helped her refocus. “He’s always telling me to trust the process,” Gauff noted, crediting his perspective for keeping her grounded.
Sera’s heartfelt post comes amid a whirlwind year for the couple. Gauff, at just 21, has solidified her status as a two-time Grand Slam champion, while Sera pursues his artistic ambitions, balancing studies and acting credits in short films and a TV mini-series. Their relationship, officially confirmed during a June 2025 BOSE promotional video, has charmed fans with moments like Gauff’s blushing reaction to Sera’s audio 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.” The couple celebrated their two-year anniversary that day, with Gauff sharing candid Atlanta photos, including a cozy mirror selfie and an escape room outing with friends.
The birthday tribute also follows a poignant moment for Sera, who recently mourned the loss of his grandfather, sharing a moving tribute on September 4: “RIP Granddaddy…see you on the other side, and be cool.” Gauff and her mother offered condolences, highlighting the couple’s tight-knit support system. This emotional depth contrasts with their playful public moments, like their lighthearted banter during a Miami Open boat trip, where Gauff teased Sera’s caption “Soflooo 🌊🌴☀️🎾🥞🐈💚” with “flawdaaa,” prompting his reply, “flawdaaaa. my townnnnn!!!!!”
For Gauff, dating someone outside the tennis world has been a refreshing escape. “To just have someone to talk to who is not involved in tennis at all gives me a fresh perspective,” she told Time magazine in 2024, describing Sera as a “really nice guy” pursuing music school and acting. Their shared interests, like setting a joint goal to read 25 books in 2024, add a relatable charm to their high-profile romance. Sera’s support extends to Gauff’s family, as seen when he celebrated her brother Codey’s commitment to Mizzou University for baseball, resharing the announcement with a fiery “🔥🔥🔥.”
As Gauff gears up for the Asian swing of the WTA Tour, including the China Open, Sera’s heartfelt tribute to his father reminds fans of the personal values anchoring their relationship. Their story, from childhood connections to global stardom, continues to unfold with authenticity and warmth, proving that even amid the pressures of fame, love and family remain at the core. With Gauff’s star rising and Sera’s creative journey gaining traction, their bond promises more heartwarming moments to come.
</xaiArtifact>
Leave a Reply