At just 21 years old, Coco Gauff has solidified her place as one of tennis’s brightest stars, with a 2023 US Open title, a career-high ranking of No. 2 in singles, and a relentless drive that has captivated fans worldwide. While her on-court achievements—like her recent 6-4, 6-2 victory over Leylah Fernandez at the 2025 Australian Open—continue to dominate headlines, curiosity about her personal life has surged. Gauff, who has been notably private about her romantic life, has been dating Jalen Sera, a talented artist from Atlanta, for over two years. Their relationship, marked by heartfelt gestures and mutual support, offers a glimpse into the balance Gauff strikes between her high-octane career and a grounded personal life. “This is my first real relationship,” Gauff shared in a 2024 interview, emphasizing how Sera’s presence provides “a fresh perspective” away from the tennis world.
Jalen Sera, an aspiring actor and musician, is a creative soul whose passions lie far from the tennis court. Currently a student with plans to apply to music school, Sera is carving his own path in the entertainment industry, with a focus on acting and guitar playing. “He’s a very nice guy. He’s in school now. He’s about to apply for music school. He wants to be an actor, and he plays the guitar,” Gauff revealed, highlighting his artistic ambitions. Unlike many athletes’ partners who are often tied to the sports world, Sera’s disconnection from tennis is a cornerstone of their bond. “To just have someone to talk to who is not involved in tennis at all gives me a fresh perspective,” Gauff explained, noting how their conversations offer a respite from the pressures of her profession. This dynamic proved pivotal during her 2023 US Open run, where she leaned on Sera to calm her nerves the night before the final. “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.,” she recalled, crediting him for helping her stay grounded before her historic win against Aryna Sabalenka.
The couple’s connection has deep roots in their shared Atlanta hometown. In a charming twist, Gauff’s mother, Candi, a former college track star and teacher, was Sera’s fourth-grade teacher. “My mom always said, if they’re bad in school, they’re probably bad as adults. He’s always been a smart, nice kid,” Candi affirmed, giving Sera her seal of approval. This familial tie adds a layer of warmth to their relationship, grounding it in a shared history. Despite their long acquaintance, Gauff and Sera’s romance began in the spring of 2023, marking Gauff’s first serious relationship. “It’s pretty intricate, wasn’t your average scrapbook,” Gauff said of an anniversary gift she crafted for Sera, a labor-intensive scrapbook that took hours to complete, reflecting the depth of their bond.
Sera’s support for Gauff is evident in both private and public moments. He has been spotted in her coaching box and frequently celebrates her achievements on social media. After her grueling three-hour, 30-minute Italian Open semifinal win over Qinwen Zheng in May 2025, Sera took to Instagram Stories, calling her a “Warrior.” Earlier, he praised her regal Oscars appearance with a “Regal 💫” comment, showcasing his consistent encouragement. Gauff, in turn, has shared subtle glimpses of their life together, from a mirror selfie at the Camp Flog Gnaw music festival in Los Angeles to a canoe trip in Florida in July 2025. Their second anniversary, celebrated in June 2025 during a Bose promotional video shoot, was a milestone Gauff marked publicly. Reacting to Sera’s voice note saying, “You’re the absolute coolest person ever. I’m so proud of you, and I love you,” Gauff beamed, “That’s my boyfriend, and today’s actually our two-year anniversary.”
While Gauff cherishes their privacy—“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’s dropped playful hints about their dynamic. After watching the tennis drama *Challengers*, she jokingly told Sera, “Thank God you don’t play tennis,” referencing a character’s disdain for dating a struggling athlete, before clarifying, “I was joking bruh 😭😭 plz don’t take this seriously.” Their shared interests, like a competitive reading challenge where Sera aims to read 24 books in 2024, add a lighthearted dimension to their relationship. “I’m two books ahead, so I’m winning right now,” Gauff teased, showcasing their playful rivalry.
As Gauff continues her 2025 season, with a quarterfinal matchup against Belinda Bencic at the Australian Open, Sera remains a quiet but vital presence. His artistic pursuits and unwavering support highlight a partnership that balances Gauff’s global fame with a deeply personal connection, proving that even a tennis superstar finds strength in love off the court.
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