As the clay courts of Madrid’s Caja Mágica buzz with the opening rounds of the 2025 Mutua Madrid Open, world No. 2 Alexander Zverev is forging ahead without his biggest cheerleader, Sophia Thomalla, by his side. The German tennis star, fresh off a commanding victory at the BMW Open in Munich, is diving into his quest for a third Madrid title, but his girlfriend, a renowned actress and model, is stealing the spotlight from afar. Thomalla, 35, has traded the courtside stands for the sun-soaked beaches of Thailand, where she’s captivating her 1.4 million Instagram followers with a glamorous beach selfie that radiates star power. “Living my best life,” she captioned the post, a sentiment that resonates as she embraces a well-deserved escape while Zverev battles it out in Spain.
Thomalla’s absence from Madrid marks a rare moment in a relationship that has been a constant presence on the ATP Tour since the couple went public in 2021. The pair, who met through a mutual friend in 2020, have become one of tennis’s most dynamic duos, blending the grit of professional sports with the allure of entertainment. Thomalla, a Berlin native born to actor parents, has carved her own path as a model, actress, and television presenter, with credits including the German version of *Are You the One?* and a stint as a judge on *Dance Dance Dance*. Her vibrant support for Zverev, often seen in animated cheers from the stands, has been a hallmark of his career. “I think for tennis players it is always very important who you have next to you,” Zverev said in a 2021 interview, praising Thomalla for giving him “peace and security.” Her presence, he added, helps him play “extremely well,” a boost he’ll miss as he faces Brazil’s Thiago Seyboth Wild in his Madrid opener.
Zverev’s Munich triumph, where he dispatched American Ben Shelton 6-2, 6-4 to claim his 24th ATP title, underscored his clay-court prowess. Thomalla was there, beaming with pride, and later celebrated his Paris Masters victory in November 2024 with a playful Instagram post: “Finally a tree at home that doesn’t die. Congrats, @alexzverev123.” Her absence in Madrid, however, highlights the couple’s demanding schedules. “We don’t have a simple life together,” Thomalla admitted in a documentary, citing Zverev’s relentless tennis commitments and her own unpredictable career. Despite the challenges, their bond remains unshakable, weathering scrutiny over their eight-year age gap and past controversies, including Thomalla’s 2017 criticism of the #MeToo movement, which she called “an insult to true rape victims.”
Thomalla’s Thai vacation, filled with turquoise waters and chic beachwear, is a testament to her status as a style icon. Once ranked third on *FHM*’s sexiest women list in 2010 and a former *Playboy* model, she commands attention with every post. Her 1.4 million followers, nearly rivaling Zverev’s 1.8 million, revel in her blend of glamour and authenticity, from red-carpet moments to candid jabs at Zverev’s chronic tardiness. “He’s always late in every situation, and I’m losing my mind,” she laughed in Netflix’s *Break Point*, which chronicled Zverev’s 2022 ankle injury recovery. Her support extends beyond the court, as seen in her praise for his Alexander Zverev Foundation, which aids children with diabetes. “You are beautiful inside and out,” she wrote in 2022, lauding his charitable efforts.
For Zverev, Madrid is a chance to close the gap on world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who’s sidelined by injury. Despite a slow start to 2025, with a fourth-round exit in Miami and a semifinal loss to Sinner at the Australian Open, Zverev’s clay pedigree—highlighted by his 2024 French Open final run—makes him a favorite. A potential quarterfinal against Carlos Alcaraz looms, but without Thomalla’s courtside energy, he’ll rely on the memory of her unwavering belief. “Sophia is someone who gives me peace and security,” he reiterated, a mantra that fuels his focus.
As Thomalla soaks up Thailand’s serenity, her glamorous getaway underscores the balance she brings to Zverev’s high-octane world. Whether she rejoins him for Madrid’s later rounds or cheers from afar, their partnership remains a beacon of resilience, proving that love and ambition can thrive amidst the chaos of fame and sport.
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