Coco Gauff’s First Real Relationship: What We Know About Her Mystery Boyfriend
Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American tennis star and 2023 US Open champion, has kept her romantic life private but has shared glimpses of her “first real relationship” with a mystery boyfriend. Since 2023, Gauff has been dating a non-tennis player from her hometown of Atlanta, whom fans speculate is Jalen Sera, a budding musician and aspiring actor. While Gauff hasn’t confirmed his identity, she’s dropped hints about their bond, which began around spring 2023 and has been a source of support during her meteoric rise. “This is my first real relationship,” she told TIME in April 2024, adding, “To just Gauff’s boyfriend, described as a “very nice guy,” is in school and pursuing music and acting, playing the guitar and aiming for music school, per a March 2024 Vogue interview. Their connection runs deep—Gauff’s mother, Candi, was his fourth-grade teacher and vouched for his character, saying, “He’s always been a smart, nice kid.” The couple shares a competitive streak, engaging in a reading challenge where they aim to read the number of books corresponding to the year (24 in 2024). Gauff, who reignited her childhood love for reading, told reporters at the 2024 German Open she’s “two books ahead” of him, boasting titles like *Daisy Jones & the Six* and *The New Jim Crow*.
Their relationship has been pivotal during high-stakes moments. Before her 2023 US Open final, Gauff stayed up until 1 a.m. talking to him to calm her nerves, helping her avoid overthinking after her 2022 French Open loss. “I just called my boyfriend and told him let’s talk until it’s time to go to sleep,” she said post-match, crediting him for her focus. He’s also gifted her meaningful tokens, like an infinity necklace she wore during the 2023 WTA Finals, symbolizing their bond.
While they avoid public appearances, their flirty Instagram comments—like his “One of one💫” on her TIME cover post—fueled speculation. Gauff noted in June 2024 that he’s likely to attend her U.S. tournaments, as travel to Europe, like the 2024 Paris Olympics or 2025 French Open, is less feasible. As Gauff continues her 2025 French Open campaign, where she set a record as the youngest American to reach 20 women’s singles wins at Roland Garros, her boyfriend remains a supportive, low-key presence, cheering her on from afar.
