When the spotlight is brightest and the pressure unimaginable, athletes often stand alone — but not Coco Gauff. Behind the fierce serves, thunderous applause, and trophy-lifted celebrations is a quiet support system she says she can’t live without: her boyfriend, Jalen Sera.
In a recent interview, Gauff revealed something deeply personal: after a big win, she’s showered with messages from friends and family — but after a loss, there’s only one person she wants to talk to. “Honestly,” she said, “when I lose, I would say just my boyfriend, because he is the only one that can take me and my mood after a loss.” E! Online+1
That raw admission gives a rare glimpse into the emotional toll of professional tennis — and the vital role love sometimes plays behind the scenes. Gauff admitted she can be her “own harshest critic,” often second-guessing her performance and replaying mistakes in her mind. Yahoo+1 But Sera, according to her, knows just what to say: “trust the process,” he tells her. Remind her of what she’s already achieved, soften the self-criticism, and anchor her when doubt creeps in. E! Online+1
Their relationship — which they quietly confirmed in June 2025 — is anything but flashy. Gauff has explained that having a partner who isn’t part of the tennis world gives her a fresh perspective. Sera isn’t on the tour, he doesn’t live the grind, and for that she considers him a lifeline. ¡HOLA!+1 That distance from the constant swirl of media, matches and expectations gives her space to breathe, reflect, and just be Coco — not the next big match or headline.
It’s not all about comfort and pep talks. Their bond shows even in small moments. After a big tournament or a Long match, Gauff has said she’ll call Sera late into the night — talk until 1 a.m. if she needs to — just to decompress, reset, and remind herself who she is beyond the court. Daily Express US+1 And when she launched her first signature smoothie collaboration with a brand recently, Sera was right there in the background, quietly showing love and support. E! Online+1
What stands out isn’t just that Coco Gauff has a partner — but that she’s found someone who understands this rare world she lives in, and chooses kindness over headlines, privacy over publicity. For a top athlete used to being analyzed every second on court, having someone to simply listen, console, and support might just be what keeps her grounded.
In a sport where every single mistake is magnified, Gauff says she’s lucky to have a safe place to land — not on the baseline, but in the arms of someone who cares. And for fans who’ve cheered her through heartbreaks and triumphs alike, hearing her speak about love this openly might be the most human moment of all.
