When the pressure of professional tennis weighs heaviest on Coco Gauff’s shoulders, she turns to the one person who knows exactly how to lift her spirits. Her boyfriend, Jalen Sera, has become more than just a romantic partner – he’s the emotional anchor that helps her navigate the brutal highs and lows of elite competition.
After Gauff’s disappointing exit from the US Open, that support system kicked into high gear once again. The American tennis star shared a heartfelt message on social media, and Sera’s response perfectly captured the unwavering encouragement that defines their relationship.
How Did Coco Gauff React to Boyfriend Jalen Sera’s Support After US Open Campaign?
Gauff entered Flushing Meadows as one of the top home favorites, determined to end her title drought dating back to the French Open. The 21-year-old showed early promise with victories over Ajla Tomljanović, Donna Vekić, and Magdalena Fręch to reach the fourth round.
With the Arthur Ashe crowd firmly behind her, Gauff appeared to have momentum against Naomi Osaka. However, the Japanese star proved too strong, sealing a 6-3, 6-2 win that ended the American’s campaign earlier than expected.
Several days after her US Open exit, the two-time Grand Slam champion posted a reflective message on Instagram alongside a photo from the court.
“thank you nyc🙏🏾🙏🏾 we keep building”
Gauff’s post drew an uplifting message from her boyfriend, who urged her to move forward with positivity. The tennis star reacted to Sera’s comment with three heart emojis, showing her appreciation for his constant encouragement.
“Upwards and onwards,” he wrote.
Sera’s comments reflect the genuine bond and mutual support that define their relationship. Gauff has previously explained that after defeats, she turns specifically to him, as he’s uniquely equipped to help her recover emotionally from disappointment.
How Does Sera Help Gauff Recover Emotionally After Setbacks?
In a recent interview, Gauff revealed her approach to sharing emotions after matches depends entirely on the outcome. While victories bring out her social side, losses make her retreat to the one person who truly understands how to handle her in those vulnerable moments.
“Honestly, after a good match, I just talk to my boyfriend, my friends, everyone, cause I’m in a good mood. When I lose, I would say just my boyfriend ’cause he is the only one that can take me and my mood after a loss,” Gauff said in an exclusive interview with E! News.
Beyond just weathering her disappointment, Sera actively works to shift Gauff’s perspective. The American tennis star explained how he consistently reminds her to trust the process while helping her manage self-criticism and maintain a constructive mindset moving forward.
“He’s always telling me to trust the process. Just know that I’ve already accomplished a lot and there’s no need to be so negative. That’s kind of what my whole team, my parents, everybody says. I’m someone that can criticize myself a lot, so I just try to make sure that I stay positive,” she added.
The connection between Gauff and Sera runs deeper than most might expect. Before dating Gauff, Sera was a fourth-grade student of her mother, Candi Gauff, who had always held a soft spot for him. What began as a low-key presence in Gauff’s social media posts has evolved into a more visible relationship, with the Atlanta-based musician now appearing regularly alongside her as they enjoy downtime together.