The red clay courts of the Am Rothenbaum Stadium in Hamburg buzzed with hometown pride on May 19, 2025, as Alexander Zverev kicked off his campaign at the ATP 500 Hamburg Open. Adding a touch of glamour and heartfelt support to the event was Zverev’s longtime girlfriend, Sophia Thomalla, who joined the World No. 2 in his players’ box after returning from a solo vacation in Thailand. Her presence, marked by a vibrant Instagram Story captioned “1 day in Hambury, Germany 🥰,” underscored the couple’s enduring bond and Thomalla’s role as Zverev’s pillar of strength as he aims to reclaim the Hamburg title he won in 2023.
Zverev, the tournament’s top seed, received a first-round bye and faces qualifier Aleksandar Kovacevic in the second round. The 28-year-old German, who reached the final here last year and triumphed two years ago, carries the weight of local expectations. His 2025 season has been solid but unspectacular by his lofty standards, with 21 wins from 29 matches and a single title at the BMW Open in Munich. A quarter-final exit to Lorenzo Musetti at the Italian Open highlighted areas for improvement, particularly on clay, where he’s posted an 11-4 record this year. “I play extremely well with her behind me,” Zverev told a German tennis magazine in 2021, crediting Thomalla’s support for his on-court success. “Sophia is someone who gives me peace and security.” Her return to Hamburg, after a sun-soaked trip to Koh Samui, signals her commitment to bolstering Zverev’s bid for a second Hamburg crown before the French Open.
Thomalla, a 35-year-old German actress, model, and TV presenter, is no stranger to the spotlight. Known for roles in shows like Der Bergdoktor and hosting Germany’s version of Are You the One?, she boasts 1.4 million Instagram followers and a formidable presence in the entertainment industry. Her Thailand vacation, documented through stunning beach selfies and gym mirror shots, showcased her dedication to fitness and flair for fashion. One post featured her in a yellow Adidas top and white yoga pants, captioned with a nod to her workout routine, while another highlighted a sleek black dress during a night out. Despite her busy schedule, Thomalla prioritized joining Zverev in Hamburg, her panoramic Instagram Story of the iconic Am Rothenbaum Stadium capturing the electric atmosphere of the event.
The couple’s relationship, which began in 2021 after meeting through a mutual friend, has been a source of stability for Zverev. “She gave me the chance to realize that there is much more out there than tennis,” he said early in their romance, reflecting on how Thomalla’s support broadened his perspective. Their bond has weathered public scrutiny, including criticism over their seven-year age gap, which Thomalla dismissed in an interview: “I don’t think anything of it. It doesn’t really matter to me.” From cheering at the 2024 Italian Open, where Zverev claimed the title, to celebrating his 2024 Paris Masters win with a playful Instagram post—“Finally a tree at home that doesn’t die”—Thomalla has been a constant presence, even when work, like filming in Thailand, keeps her away.
Zverev’s Hamburg campaign is a critical stepping stone to Roland Garros, where he reached the 2024 final, falling to Carlos Alcaraz in five sets. The Hamburg Open holds deep significance for Zverev, who in 2023 became the first German singles champion in 30 years, spraying champagne on Thomalla and his team in a jubilant celebration. “I knew it. But as long as he wins. Make us wet as much as you want,” Thomalla quipped on Instagram, her humor capturing their shared joy. A strong showing here, backed by the home crowd and Thomalla’s encouragement, could propel Zverev toward his 25th career title and boost his confidence for Paris.
Off the court, Zverev and Thomalla’s relationship has faced challenges, including their demanding schedules. “We don’t have a simple life together,” Thomalla admitted in a documentary, citing Zverev’s grueling tennis calendar and her own career commitments. Yet, their commitment shines through, from fist bumps and kisses during warm-ups at the 2025 Australian Open to Thomalla’s support for Zverev’s Alexander Zverev Foundation, which aids children with diabetes. “You are beautiful inside and out,” she wrote on Instagram in 2022, praising his charitable work.
As Zverev battles in Hamburg, Thomalla’s presence in the stands adds a personal layer to his quest. With the French Open on the horizon, where he’ll face top rivals like Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, her support could be the edge he needs. Their love story, marked by resilience and mutual admiration, continues to captivate fans, proving that behind every champion is a partner who fuels their fire.
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