PICTURES: Coco Gauff & boyfriend Jalen Sera take their dating life adventures across New York as American continues recovery ahead of Asian swing
Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American tennis sensation and world No. 3, is making the most of her downtime with boyfriend Jalen Sera, exploring the vibrant streets of New York City as she recovers from a disappointing 2025 US Open exit. The couple, who have been dating since 2023, shared glimpses of their “dating life adventures” on Instagram, showcasing meals, strolls, and quality time together. Gauff’s posts come just weeks after her fourth-round loss to Naomi Osaka on September 2, 2025, as she gears up for the Asian swing, starting with the China Open on September 24. The lighthearted escapades highlight Gauff’s balance between professional recovery and personal joy, offering fans a rare peek into her off-court world.
Post-US Open Heartbreak and Recovery
Gauff’s US Open campaign ended in the Round of 16 with a straight-sets defeat to Osaka (6-4, 6-3), a rematch of their 2023 quarterfinal. Reflecting on the loss, Gauff posted a photo walking into Arthur Ashe Stadium, captioning it, “Thank you NYC, we keep building.” Her boyfriend Sera responded with an encouraging “Upwards and onwards,” a message that resonated with fans amid her heartbreak. The defeat marked a tough summer for Gauff, who reached the semifinals at the French Open but struggled on hard courts, including early exits in Washington and Cincinnati.
Despite the setback, Gauff’s 2025 season has been strong overall, with 38 wins and 13 losses, highlighted by her second Grand Slam title at the French Open in June. She’s now focusing on recovery, skipping the Billie Jean King Cup Finals to prioritize the Asian swing. Her Instagram stories from New York show a relaxed vibe, with Gauff crediting Sera’s support: “He’s the only one that can take me and my mood after a loss,” she told *E! News* earlier in 2025. Sera, an Atlanta-based musician and actor, has been a steady presence, often reminding her to “trust the process” during tough times.
Dating Adventures in the Big Apple
Gauff and Sera’s New York outing, shared via Instagram on September 13, 2025, captured their playful dynamic. Photos showed the couple enjoying meals at trendy spots, wandering iconic locations like Central Park and Times Square, and savoring street food. One image featured them at a rooftop bar with the city skyline as a backdrop, while another showed Gauff laughing over pizza with Sera. Her caption read, “NYC adventures with my favorite person 💕 Recovery mode but loving every moment.” The posts, which garnered over 500,000 likes, offered a glimpse into their low-key romance, a contrast to Gauff’s high-pressure career.
The couple’s connection dates back to childhood; Sera was a student in Gauff’s mother Candi’s fourth-grade class in Atlanta, where Candi described him as a “smart, nice kid.” They began dating in 2023, marking Gauff’s first serious relationship. Sera, who shares a twin brother Terence, has been supportive, resharing Gauff’s posts from her French Open win and Oscars appearance. Their second anniversary in June 2025 was celebrated quietly, with Gauff posting a park photo including Terence, captioning it, “Happy birthday, @jalensera, @iamterencejt 22!!”
Balancing Love and Tennis Ambitions
Gauff’s New York break comes at a pivotal time, as she prepares for the China Open and Wuhan Open to build momentum for the WTA Finals. Ranked No. 3, she’s chasing consistency after a mixed hard-court season, with her serve—a focus under coach Gavin MacMillan—showing improvement. Sera’s role in her life provides stability; after her US Open loss, she noted, “After a good match, I talk to my boyfriend, my friends… When I lose, just my boyfriend ’cause he is the only one that can take me and my mood after a loss” (*E! News*).
Fans have praised the couple’s bond, with X posts like, “Coco Gauff and Jalen Sera’s NYC adventures are goals! Love seeing her smile post-US Open 💕” (@TheTennisLetter). Gauff’s privacy about her relationship—going Instagram-official only recently—reflects her grounded approach, even as she navigates stardom.
A Bright Path Ahead
Coco Gauff and Jalen Sera’s New York escapades offer a heartwarming interlude amid her recovery, showcasing the support that fuels her drive. As she heads to Asia, aiming for a strong finish to 2025 and a third Grand Slam, Gauff’s adventures with Sera remind us that even champions need moments of joy. With her boyfriend by her side, the American’s journey continues—on and off the court.
