Coco Gauff and Ons Jabeur's fun Galentine's Day moment goes viral

UPDATED: Feb 14, 2025 23:06 IST

In a video posted by the WTA (Women's Tennis Association), Coco Gauff and Ons Jabeur shared a fun moment on Valentine’s Day Eve, with Jabeur jokingly asking Gauff to be her Valentine.

“Would you be my Valentine?” Jabeur asked.

Gauff laughed and replied, “Oh! Yes. I did choose Galentine’s Day. I don’t have anything for you, so the hug is for you. I saw somebody coming from the bushes. I was like, who the heck is jumping over? Thank you.”

The moment perfectly captured the spirit of Galentine’s Day, a celebration of friendship among women. Gauff and Jabeur’s bond extends beyond the tennis court, showcasing mutual respect and camaraderie.

What is Galentine’s Day?

Galentine’s Day is celebrated on February 13, the day before Valentine’s Day. It was popularized by the character Leslie Knope in the TV show Parks and Recreation. The occasion focuses on women coming together to enjoy brunch, share laughter, and celebrate the love and support of close friendships.

The day can be marked by activities such as dining out, watching movies, or planning a fun outing. Gauff’s witty response at the Qatar Open highlights that even in the highly competitive world of tennis, there is room for humor and friendship.

Gauff’s brother and his admiration for Jabeur

Gauff’s younger brother, Codey, is a self-proclaimed fan of Ons Jabeur. He affectionately calls himself “the Black Ons Jabeur” and often tries to replicate her iconic drop shots, humorously dubbing his version the “snake ball.” Gauff shared that watching her brother’s attempts serves as a sweet tribute to Jabeur, blending family and sport into a heartwarming story.

Pegula reflects on Gauff’s growth

Coco Gauff’s strong friendships extend beyond Jabeur. Fellow tennis star Jessica Pegula recently spoke about Gauff’s evolution as a player and a person. In an interview with The Tennis Gazette, Pegula, who is 10 years Gauff’s senior, remarked, “I think she has grown up a lot and matured over the last few years. She’s now much more sure of herself and knows what she wants.”

Pegula added, “She is at that age where you start figuring things out, making decisions, and becoming more independent. We have seen that growth over the past year.”