Amid the electric atmosphere of the 2025 Madrid Open, world No. 2 Alexander Zverev added a memorable off-court highlight to his campaign by reuniting with German football icon Toni Kroos, a former Real Madrid superstar. The heartwarming encounter, which took place on April 27, 2025, at the Caja Mágica, followed Zverev’s thrilling 2-6, 7-6(3), 7-6(0) victory over Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the third round. The meeting of two German sports titans captivated fans, blending the worlds of tennis and football in a moment of mutual admiration and camaraderie.
Zverev, a two-time Madrid Open champion (2018, 2021), was visibly buoyed by Kroos’s presence in the player’s box during his nearly three-hour battle on Manolo Santana Stadium. The top seed, riding a seven-match winning streak after clinching the Munich Open title the previous week, overcame a set and a break deficit against a fired-up Davidovich Fokina. “The first set wasn’t my best tennis, but it is sport and it can change quickly,” Zverev said, reflecting on his resilience. “Alejandro is playing unbelievable tennis, the best of his life, so I am happy to be through.” The vocal Spanish crowd and Davidovich Fokina’s aggressive play tested Zverev’s resolve, but his 11 aces and 17 fewer unforced errors (28-45) secured his place in the fourth round.
The post-match celebration, however, stole the spotlight. Kroos, who retired in 2024 after a storied decade with Real Madrid, greeted Zverev in the tunnel to the locker rooms, where the pair exchanged heartfelt gestures. Zverev signed two of his match-used rackets for Kroos, a token of appreciation for his support. In return, Kroos presented Zverev with a Real Madrid shirt inscribed with a personal message: “To my friend Sascha. Best of luck. Your fan, Toni.” The exchange, captured in a video shared widely on social media, underscored their deep bond. “This man deserved a Ballon d’Or. Absolute legend,” Zverev had previously posted on Instagram about Kroos, lamenting the midfielder’s lack of the prestigious football award despite his five UEFA Champions League titles and 2014 World Cup triumph with Germany.
Kroos, a Madrid resident since joining Real Madrid in 2014, was warmly received by fans at the Caja Mágica, where football stars often grace the stands. His presence added a layer of excitement to an already dramatic day, which saw Zverev spark controversy by taking a photo of a ball mark to dispute an electronic line call, earning a code violation from umpire Mohamed Lahyani. “The machine is not working. Look at this mark,” Zverev pleaded, highlighting the ongoing debate over electronic line-calling on clay. Despite the flare-up, he cruised through the third-set tiebreak, showcasing the form that makes him a favorite for a third Madrid title.
The Zverev-Kroos friendship, rooted in shared German heritage and mutual respect, has blossomed over years. Kroos publicly supported Zverev during his 2024 French Open final run, tweeting, “Come on @AlexZverev!!!” Their Madrid reunion was a testament to their enduring connection, with Kroos engrossed in Zverev’s match from start to finish, seated alongside the player’s coaching team. For Zverev, who has called Manolo Santana Stadium “my favourite centre court in the world,” the support of a national hero like Kroos was a powerful motivator. “I only lost twice here in my entire life,” Zverev noted, expressing hope to maintain his 24-5 Madrid record over the tournament’s next 10 days.
This encounter was more than a celebrity cameo; it was a celebration of two athletes who have elevated their sports. Kroos, whose $25 million net worth reflects his legendary status, controlled football matches with unparalleled precision, much like Zverev’s command of the tennis court. As Zverev advances to face either Francisco Cerundolo or Francisco Comesana, he carries not only the momentum of his Munich title and Madrid heroics but also the encouragement of a friend who knows what it takes to win on the biggest stages. For fans, the image of Zverev and Kroos swapping gifts is a reminder of sport’s power to unite icons across disciplines, creating memories that linger long after the final point.
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One of Madrid’s own @ToniKroos meets our top seed @AlexZverev 😍🇩🇪@atptour | @TennisTV | #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/lYONZlKywd
— #MMOPEN (@MutuaMadridOpen) April 27, 2025
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