As the tennis world gears up for the 2025 US Open, Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American star, recently shared a personal story that underscores her deep admiration for tennis legend Venus Williams. On July 22, 2025, Gauff and her boyfriend, Atlanta-based musician Jalen Sera, turned a quiet evening into a special celebration, marking Williams’ triumphant return to the WTA Tour at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, D.C. In a rare moment of domesticity, Gauff, who admitted she “never cooks,” prepared a full dinner to honor the occasion, driven by her excitement to watch the 45-year-old icon compete. The evening, filled with anticipation and shared admiration, offered a glimpse into Gauff’s life off the court and her enduring connection to the trailblazing Williams sisters.
Venus Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, made headlines with her 6-3, 6-4 victory over 23-year-old Peyton Stearns in the first round of the DC Open, becoming the second-oldest woman to win a WTA Tour-level singles match, surpassed only by Martina Navratilova’s feat at 47 in 2004. Gauff, who was not competing that week, described the match as “the first match I’ve been excited to watch in a while.” Her enthusiasm was palpable as she recounted the evening, saying, “My boyfriend was with me, and I was just like, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t wait.’” The couple’s excitement was so intense that Gauff jokingly urged fellow American Ben Shelton, whose match preceded Williams’, to “wrap this up” so she could focus on Venus’ performance.
The decision to cook dinner was a spontaneous one for Gauff, who has been open about her limited time in the kitchen due to her demanding tennis schedule. “I never cook, but I made dinner that night… dinner and everything because I was so excited to watch her play,” she shared, highlighting how Williams’ comeback inspired her to create a memorable moment with Sera, whom she has been dating privately since 2023. The couple, watching from home, savored the historic match, which saw Williams showcase her enduring talent and resilience after a 16-month hiatus following surgery for uterine fibroids in July 2024. “It’s great to see an icon like her still performing at a high level for, at this point, decades, which is impressive,” Gauff said, praising Williams’ longevity in a sport where such sustained excellence is rare outside of golf.
Gauff’s admiration for Williams runs deep, rooted in her childhood when she idolized both Venus and Serena Williams. At just 15, Gauff made history by defeating Venus in the first round of the 2019 Wimbledon Championships, a “storybook” moment that launched her into the global spotlight. She recalled the significance of that victory, saying, “They’re the reason why I have this dream today, to be honest. They have allowed me to believe in this dream growing up.” A viral image from the 2012 US Open, showing an 8-year-old Gauff cheering courtside for Venus against Bethanie Mattek-Sands, further illustrates this connection. “If this isn’t proof that your dreams are closer than you think, then I don’t know what is,” Gauff wrote on X, reflecting on the moment she realized she had been caught on camera as a young fan.
Williams’ DC Open run ended in the second round with a 6-2, 6-2 loss to Magdalena Frech, but her performance resonated widely, especially with Gauff, who sees her as a symbol of perseverance. “I think for women’s tennis it’s great just to see the longevity that we can have, especially in a sport like tennis,” Gauff noted, adding, “So I think we should cherish the moment while it’s here.” Williams, who has not won back-to-back matches since 2019, continues her comeback with a wildcard entry into the 2025 US Open singles draw—her 25th appearance at the tournament where she won titles in 2000 and 2001—and a mixed doubles wildcard alongside Reilly Opelka. Gauff, meanwhile, is skipping the US Open mixed doubles to focus on her singles campaign, where she aims to defend her 2023 title and add to her two Grand Slam triumphs, including the 2025 French Open.
Beyond the court, Gauff’s commitment to health and wellness shines through her recent partnership with Naked Smoothies, launching a limited-edition Protein Pineapple Orange Smoothie on August 18. Packed with 20 grams of plant-based protein, pineapple and orange juices, coconut water electrolytes, and vitamins B6 and B12, the smoothie reflects her focus on fueling her body for peak performance. “It tastes like fruit!” Gauff raved, excited about the pop-up Coco’s Corner Store in New York City from August 21-22, just before the US Open begins on August 24. As Gauff prepares for Flushing Meadows, her heartfelt tribute to Williams—marked by a home-cooked meal and shared excitement with Sera—underscores the profound impact of a legend whose legacy continues to inspire the next generation.
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