Coco Gauff Dating History: Who Is the Tennis Pro Dating?

By Jayson Panganiban June 30, 2025 06:38

Coco Gauff, the American tennis sensation and 2023 US Open champion, has captured the world’s attention not only with her powerful game but also with her carefully guarded personal life. At 21 years old and ranked among the top players on the WTA Tour, Gauff has been notably private about her romantic relationships. Yet, over the past couple of years, she has opened a small window into her dating life, revealing that she is in a committed relationship while maintaining discretion about her partner’s identity.

Since 2023, Coco Gauff has been quietly dating a young man from her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. Though she has not publicly disclosed his name, multiple sources and interviews have provided some insight into who he is and the nature of their relationship. According to Gauff, this is her first “real” relationship a milestone she shared in a 2024 interview with TIME magazine. She explained, “To just have someone to talk to who is not involved in tennis at all gives me a fresh perspective,” highlighting how her boyfriend provides a grounding influence away from the pressures of professional sports.

One intriguing detail about her boyfriend is his connection to Gauff’s family: her mother, Candi Gauff, was actually his fourth-grade teacher. Candi has spoken warmly about him, telling TIME, “My mom always said, if they’re bad in school, they’re probably bad as adults. He’s always been a smart, nice kid.” This connection adds a unique layer of familiarity and trust to their relationship.

While Gauff has never officially confirmed her boyfriend’s identity, rumors and social media interactions point to Jalen Sera, an aspiring actor and musician from Atlanta. Jalen has been seen engaging with Gauff on social platforms, and insiders suggest he is the supportive presence behind the scenes during her rise to tennis stardom. Despite the public speculation, both Gauff and Sera have chosen to keep their relationship private, a decision Coco explained by saying, “Some parts of myself I love to share and then some parts I think I just keep to myself. And I think that’s just the beauty of it all”.

This privacy has not stopped Gauff from acknowledging the positive impact her relationship has had on her mental and emotional well-being. Before the 2023 US Open final, she revealed she called her boyfriend late into the night to calm her nerves, crediting that conversation with helping her focus and perform at her best. “We spoke until 1:00 a.m. and then I went to sleep,” she said, underscoring the supportive role he plays during high-pressure moments.

Importantly, Gauff has emphasized that her boyfriend is not involved in tennis, dispelling rumors that she might be dating someone within the sport. This distinction seems to offer her a fresh perspective and a break from the intense tennis world she navigates daily.

In summary, Coco Gauff’s dating history is marked by a deliberate choice to protect her personal life while embracing a meaningful relationship. With a partner from her hometown who shares a unique family connection and offers emotional support away from the spotlight, Gauff has found balance amid her meteoric rise. As she continues to compete at the highest levels including recent finals appearances at the French Open and WTA 1000 events her relationship remains a private sanctuary, fueling her success both on and off the court.