Major upsets have become a defining theme of this year’s French Open, with several top seeds like Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, and others seeing their campaigns derailed. However, No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev has defied that trend with a stellar campaign.
As the German continues his march at Roland Garros, he has the behind-the-scenes support of his loved ones, including his girlfriend, Sophia Thomalla, and his daughter, Mayla.
Inside Alexander Zverev’s Relationship with Girlfriend Sophia Thomalla
Zverev started dating German model, actress, and television presenter Sophia Thomalla in 2020, and they made their relationship official in 2021. Since then, they have often made public appearances together, and Thomalla has become a regular presence in his player’s box, cheering him on. The couple took their relationship to a new level in October 2025 when they welcomed a dachshund named Mishka into their lives.
In April earlier this year, Thomalla penned a heartwarming birthday tribute for the world No. 3, thanking him for their five “thrilling” years together.
“Happy Birthday my love ❤️ Thank you for these 5 THRILLING years 😂🫶🏼 #sleepingbeauty,” she captioned her Instagram post.
Speaking to Tennis Magazin in 2021, Zverev opened up about Thomalla’s positive impact on his life, disclosing how her presence brings him a sense of peace and security.
“I think for tennis players, it’s always very important who you have by your side. Sophia is someone who gives me calm and security. But ultimately, I’m the one who makes the difference. Over the last 20 years, I’ve put an enormous amount of work into my tennis, especially with my father. I’ve done everything I can to get to where I am now,” Zverev said.
The German also credited Thomalla for helping him play better, saying, “But of course, you can see that this is the first time I have a partner supporting me. I play extremely well with her backing me, and I hope that will continue next year and maybe even improve. I haven’t achieved all my goals yet.”
While it remains unclear whether Sophia Thomalla is attending the French Open, she has subtly shown her support for Zverev’s campaign through social media interactions.
Everything to Know About Alexander Zverev’s Daughter Mayla
Zverev became a father in March 2021, when his ex-girlfriend, German model Brenda Patea, gave birth to their daughter, Mayla. Although the couple separated before her birth and had a dispute over custody and level of involvement, they have since settled on a more cooperative parenting arrangement with shared custody.
While the world No. 3 is protective of his daughter’s privacy, he has started bringing the five-year-old to tournaments this season. When asked about Mayla watching him compete at the Indian Wells Masters, the German disclosed that she was present in the stadium, but he made an effort to keep her away from the cameras.
“She’s in the stadium, but higher,” he said. “I don’t show her to you guys (smiling).”
Zverev also brought Mayla along during his campaign at the BMW Open in April and even took her to a Bayern Munich game. During the visit, she had the opportunity to meet several of the club’s stars, including Harry Kane, Leon Goretzka, and Joshua Kimmich in the locker room, while the German watched with a smile.
Zverev first made a public appearance with Mayla at the 2026 Mexican Open. She was spotted playing with his dog Mishka in the stands and later gave him a celebratory kiss when he clinched the doubles title with partner Marcelo Melo.
While in Acapulco, the German also spoke about wanting to keep Mayla out of the spotlight, saying, “I try to keep her away from the spotlight. I want her to be a normal child, growing up with a normal life. I try to keep her out of social media, all the Instagrammie stuff. It’s nice that she comes more and more.”
Alexander Zverev will draw strength from the support of his loved ones when he squares off against No. 26 seed Jakub Menšík in a blockbuster semifinal clash at the French Open. The world No. 3 will be aiming to reach his second Roland Garros final and move one step closer to finally clinching his maiden Grand Slam trophy.
