Latest news with #ESPNW
Pink Villa
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Who is Coco Gauff's boyfriend, Jalen Sera? A look at the tennis star's private romance
Despite being one of the most recognizable young athletes in the world, Coco Gauff has managed to keep her relationship with boyfriend Jalen Sera mostly out of the spotlight. The two have been dating since 2023, and while Gauff was tight-lipped about his identity for nearly a year, she recently confirmed his name in June 2025. During a lighthearted Bose video, she listened to a sweet voice message from him, and both his name and face were confirmed for the first time. Now, two years into their relationship, fans are getting a clearer picture of the man behind the name. They've known each other since childhood Though their romance didn't begin until their late teens, Gauff and Sera have known each other for years. Both grew up in Atlanta, and her mother, Candi Gauff, was actually Sera's fourth-grade teacher. 'My mom always said, if they're bad in school, they're probably bad as adults. He's always been a smart, nice kid,' the tennis star said to TIME. Their longstanding familiarity eventually evolved into what Coco has called her 'first real relationship.' Jalen Sera is a musician and aspiring actor Far removed from the world of tennis, Sera is focused on a creative path. Gauff shared that he is currently in school and pursuing music and acting, often posting guitar covers on YouTube. After watching the tennis drama Challengers in 2024, Gauff joked that she was glad her boyfriend was not a fellow player. "I told my boyfriend, 'Thank God you don't play tennis'," she said, per ESPNW's Instagram. Gauff values having someone outside her professional orbit, telling TIME that it gives her "a fresh perspective" as it gives her "someone to talk to who is not involved in tennis at all." Win or lose, she has his complete support Though he isn't on the tour, Sera has been one of Gauff's biggest sources of support. During her 2023 U.S. Open run, she credited him with helping her stay mentally grounded before the final. They talked until 1 a.m. the night before, helping ease her nerves. "Last night, I started a little bit, but honestly, I just called my boyfriend, and I told him let's talk until it's time to go to sleep, so we spoke until 1:00 a.m. and then I went to sleep," Gauff admitted to reporters after the match, per People.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Naomi Osaka's ‘negative' admission after difficult Wimbledon loss
The post Naomi Osaka's 'negative' admission after difficult Wimbledon loss appeared first on ClutchPoints. The string of upsets continue to pile up at Wimbledon. Naomi Osaka lost to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in three sets to go out in the third round. After winning the first set 6-3, Osaka lost the remaining two 6-4, 6-4. Advertisement She double-faulted 6 times, had a first serve percentage of 57%, and was 4/10 on break points. Afterward, Osaka was hard on herself in the post-match press conference, per ESPNW. She was also disappointed that she wasn't able to succeed around the time of her daughter's birthday. 'I'm just gonna be a negative human being today,' she said. 'I'm so sorry. I have nothing positive to say about myself which is something that I'm working on. I mean it was my daughter's birthday so I was happy about that this week, but other than that it's just today I'm constantly replaying the match.' It's been a difficult time for Osaka. In late May, Osaka lost in the first round of the French Open. During the post-match press conference, she broke down in tears and expressed her anguish at disappointing her coaches and fans. Advertisement Osaka is a four-time Grand Slam winner. She won the US Open in 2018 and 2020. In addition, Osaka won the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021. As for Wimbledon, she made it to the third round in 2017 and 2018. However, she missed the tournaments in 2021, 2022, and 2023. The following year, Osaka returned from maternity leave and won her first-round match at Wimbledon. Naomi Osaka and her difficulties on grass Wimbledon's hallowed grass court continues to derail Osaka. It's not just Wimbledon, but grass courts in general have hindered Osaka's progress over the course of her career. During her stint as a junior player, Osaka played primarily on hard courts, where she typically excels. Furthermore, she has experienced injuries and slip-ups while playing on grass. Advertisement According to Howard Fendrich of the Associated Press, Osaka played with fear on grass due to a knee injury a decade ago. 'With age, fear kind of crept along and, I guess, paralyzed me, in a way,' Osaka said. She has a 5-4 overall record on grass courts. Related: Aryna Sabalenka's consistency reaches Serena Williams heights at Wimbledon Related: Wimbledon carnage in women's draw reaches heights seen just one time in Open Era
New York Post
26-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
It was a ‘surreal' night for Dylan Harper's mom after going viral at 2025 NBA Draft
Dylan Harper's mom Maria was taking in the moment of her son going second overall to the Spurs as the internet was buzzing about her at the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night. 'It's surreal,' Maria told ESPNW while at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. 'The NBA is a very very exclusive club. He's worked so hard to get here. I'm just proud of him.' Earlier that night, Maria nearly stole the spotlight when she joined the 6-foot-6 Rutgers product during his interview with ESPN's Monica McNutt. Advertisement Maria, who looked stunning a black leather dress, stood in between Dylan and her other son Ron Jr. — a former Rutgers forward, who currently plays for the Pistons — while her ex-husband, five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, stayed in his seat. Maria and Ron divorced in 2012. Advertisement 3 Dylan Harper's mom Maria was taking in the moment of her son going second overall to the Spurs as the internet was buzzing about her at the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night. TikTok/ESPNW Prior to Dylan's stellar career with the Scarlet Knights, Maria wore multiple hats as a mom and basketball coach. Maria — a former Division 1 basketball player at the University of New Orleans from 1993 to 1996 — coached Dylan through high school at Don Bosco Prep. Advertisement 3 Dylan Harper is joined by his mom Maria and older brother Ron Jr. while talking with ESPN's Monica McNutt after getting drafted by the Spurs with the second overall pick at the 2025 NBA Draft on June 25 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. NBAE via Getty Images 3 Dylan Harper of the San Antonio Spurs speaks to the media after being drafted second overall during the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 25, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Getty Images The 19-year-old guard joins French phenom Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs' first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Advertisement The pair introduced themselves over a phone call on Day 1 of the draft, as seen in a video on social media. 'We lit,' Wembanyama said. 'Hell yeah, we gonna work for sure man. You should celebrate tonight… rest a little bit and we go back.'
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Angel Reese Makes Strong Hailey Van Lith Statement After Chicago Sky Game
Angel Reese Makes Strong Hailey Van Lith Statement After Chicago Sky Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Chicago Sky are in the win column after snapping a three-game losing streak. Chicago has started the season on a rocky road, but a Sunday matchup against the Connecticut Sun saw the Sky leave as victors, winning 78-66. Advertisement During the game, both Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith, two of the most well-known players in women's basketball, posted phenomenal numbers. Hailey Van Lith earned a career-high 16 points to go along with five rebounds and one assist. "Hailey Van Lith dropped career-high 16 points," posted ESPNW. Angel Reese reposted the news, sharing a message for Hailey Van Lith during her rookie season with the Chicago Sky. "Proud of you ROOK," Reese said. Angel Reese, Instagram Angel Reese, Instagram The Chicago Sky drafted Hailey Van Lith with the No. 11 overall pick after a college basketball career that saw her star for the TCU Horned Frogs, LSU Tigers and Louisville Cardinals. Advertisement In her rookie season with the Sky, Van Lith entered Sunday's game averaging 3.7 points, 1.0 rebound and 1.4 assists per game. She's been used as a role player for head coach Tyler Marsh, who is in his first year with the organization. While she's played limited minutes in her rookie season with the Sky, Van Lith has improved game by game. Chicago Sky guard Hailey Van Lith (2).Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images In the win over the Connecticut Sun, Angel Reese posted the first triple-double of her career. She finished with 11 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists. The Chicago Sky star continues to prove her versatility. In her second season with the Sky, Reese entered the game averaging 10.3 points, 11.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. Advertisement Related: Angel Reese Reacts to Chicago Sky Announcement on Sunday Related: Fever Coach Stephanie White Makes Strong Caitlin Clark Statement After Liberty Game This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sophie Cunningham Left Speechless by Statement From Indiana Fever President
Sophie Cunningham Left Speechless by Statement From Indiana Fever President originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Indiana Fever announced on Friday that both Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham are expected to return to action in their game against the New York Liberty on Saturday. Advertisement Both guards have been dealing with respective injuries that have forced them to miss Indiana's last few games. While there's no denying that Clark's return is a big development here, the Fever are also excited to get Cunningham's services back now that she's recovered from her ankle injury. On Friday, a strong message from team president Kelly Krauskopf caught Cunningham's attention. The veteran guard shared a post from ESPNW that contained the Fever boss' statement about team chemistry. "In sports, there are two types of chemistry: the on-court chemistry and then the things you don't really know until you get everybody together and see how they interact," Krauskopf said in a recent interview. Cunningham decided to also share the quote via her Instagram stories. Cunningham was left speechless by Krauskopf's message. The 28-year-old guard did not have any caption for her post, instead letting the quote speak for itself. Advertisement Cunningham joined the Fever in the offseason via a complex 10-team trade. Compared to the other players on the squad who have been playing alongside each other for multiple years now, Cunningham is considered the new kid on the block. However, it is clear that she has gotten along well with her teammates over the last four months. The fact that she reposted Krasukopf's message appears to indicate that Cunningham also believes in the importance of team chemistry. Injured Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) and guard Caitlin Clark (22) react from the bench against the Chicago Sky. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images The Fever, though, will want to see more of that chemistry on the court. Cunningham has missed five out of Indiana's first nine games this season due to her lingering ankle issue, which has prevented her from showing what she can bring to the table for the team on a consistent basis. Advertisement Cunningham appears to have finally recovered from the injury, and she will now be looking to remain on the court to help her teammates achieve their ultimate goal of winning a championship this season. Related: Fever Coach Stephanie White Addresses Sophie Cunningham Problem Related: Sophie Cunningham Reacts to the WNBA's Message About Her Pregame Actions Related: Indiana Fever Coach Stephanie White Issues Exciting Message on Thursday This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
