Coco Gauff’s story serves as a living tale of defeat, resilience, and perseverance. When the American sensation won the US Open in 2023, she was the fourth-youngest American player ever to claim the title at the Flushing Meadows and the youngest since Serena in 1999. Despite suffering the occasional setback ever since, her spirit remains undeterred. Gauff continues to command respect from her fierce competitors as she channels positivity through her journey. While Coco’s campaign at the Indian Wells ended in a three-setter against Belinda Bencic in the Round of 16, the heartbreak was nullified to some extent by the perfect birthday surprise from someone special. No prizes for guessing, folks!
On Thursday, March 13, Gauff turned 21. Although she would have loved nothing more than to still be in contention at the Indian Wells Masters, the day marked excitement all on its own. Having returned to the comfort of her home, her rumoured boyfriend, Jalen Sera, penned an adorable message for her on the special occasion. Taking to Instagram, he posted a photo of the duo playing arcade games and captioned the cute snapshot, “Happy birthdayyyy @cocogauff Big 21! I hope it’s your best one yet.”
According to Times Magazine, Gauff is reportedly in a relationship with Jalen Sera, an aspiring artist from Atlanta. The World No. 3 has expressed appreciation for dating someone outside the tennis world and described him as a “really nice guy” who worked his way through music school. However, the American player has refrained from publicising their romance, keeping details about their relationship at a minimum.
Earlier, Gauff revealed her birthday plans after Belinda Bencic turned the tables on the Floridian following their clash at the Australian Open, beating her in the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4,
During her post-match presser, the American expressed that she was looking forward to spending time with her family. “I don’t know. I mean, I don’t know if I’m going to feel any different. But, yeah, I think it’s an exciting age to turn. Usually, I don’t really care, I guess, when my birthday is, but I am excited, and obviously, I would have loved to be out here tomorrow. But I’m going to try to either get home tonight or tomorrow just to celebrate with my family.”
While it was no surprise that Coco received a ton of birthday messages, one of the first to wish her was her mother, Candi. She posted a carousel of snaps on her social media and dedicated a heartfelt note to the newly turned 21-year-old. “You made me a mom!! One of the biggest blessings and honour a woman can have. Twenty-one years ago, my life changed and Corey and I started our family. From the time you were born, I knew you were destined for greatness! Gifted, talented, and beautiful! A great big sister, a wonderful daughter, and a global change-maker. I love you! Happy birthday!”
Birthday aside, Coco’s serve remains her Achilles heel, and she didn’t shy away from admitting it following the loss against Bencic.
Coco Gauff vows to do better following R4 exit in Indian Wells
Hopes for a deep run in Indian Wells came crashing after Belinda Bencic stepped on the gas and registered a comeback victory over American superstar Coco Gauff. Speaking to reporters during her post-match press conference, the World No. 3 provided insights into her performance and admitted that she could’ve served better. The 21-year-old struck eight double faults against the Swiss sensation, notably her lowest tally this tournament.
“I still think I could have served better,” said Gauff. “Was more consistent, but want to get more aggressive with it. It was kind of one of those things where I started the tournament not serving well, so it’s more just trying to get it in. I hit some good serves today, but I feel like, especially in that last game, up 40-Love, I probably could have went bigger in those moments. But yeah…it is an improvement, and hopefully can continue to do better from here.”
For someone wise above her years, Gauff knows she’ll get plenty of opportunities, given there’s still most of the season to come. Despite working hard to fine-tune her skills with her coach and technique correction specialist Matt Daly, the World No. 3 feels the changes aren’t “translating” the way she’d hoped. “I wanted to do better, want to have better results, but it’s not something I can crush myself on. I’m trying to do better, and that’s all I can do. I’m trying to work on things in practice, and unfortunately, right now, it’s not translating how I’d like to.”
For now, Gauff will look to recover and reset before stepping into the ring for the second part of the Sunshine Double, the Miami Open, slated to commence on March 19.
The post Coco Gauff’s BF Jalen Sera Pulls Out the Best Birthday Surprise for His Girlfriend With a Wholesome Message appeared first on EssentiallySports.