Sophia Thomalla isn’t just the girlfriend of Alexander “Sascha” Zverev; she’s his rock, his cheerleader, and, occasionally, the one keeping him in line. Their love story kicked off in 2020, and since then, she’s been a regular presence in Zverev’s high-profile life—whether at a glitzy event or courtside during tense tournaments.
Zverev, the tennis star who just reached the final of the Australian Open 2025, is open about how much she means to him. He once gushed in a German tennis magazine that Sophia gives him “peace and security,” qualities that help him thrive on the court. Clearly, she’s not just another plus-one; she’s part of the equation.
Who Is Alexander Zverev’s Girlfriend, Sophia Thomalla?
Sophia’s background reads like a whirlwind tour through Germany. Born on October 6, 1989, in East Berlin, the 35-year-old grew up as the daughter of two actors—Simone Thomalla and André Vetters. Her childhood spanned several cities: Cologne, Kleinmachnow, and Gelsenkirchen, before she returned to Berlin, her home base. But geography is just the start of her story.
Following her parents’ lead, Sophia dove headfirst into the entertainment world, carving out her own niche as a model, actress, and TV presenter. She became a household name in Germany and even hosted a localized version of Are You the One?, a dating show originally aired on MTV. Her Instagram, where over a million followers get glimpses into her dynamic life, is a gallery of travel snaps, career highlights, and candid moments with Zverev.
Her love for Zverev extends far beyond Instagram captions. Over the years, Sophia has been spotted cheering him on at numerous tournaments, from the ATP Paris Masters in November 2024—where Zverev clinched the title, earning praise and a tongue-in-cheek “tree trophy” Instagram shoutout from Sophia—to smaller matches where her enthusiasm shone just as brightly. She’s also been vocal about her admiration for his efforts off the court, such as his foundation’s work supporting children with diabetes, calling him “beautiful inside and out.”
Sophia’s candor and humor make her not only relatable but downright entertaining. Season two of Netflix’s Break Point, which chronicled Zverev’s grueling recovery after a devastating 2022 ankle injury, offered fans a front-row seat to her playful side. In one confessional, she teased Zverev’s perpetual tardiness, quipping that if they ever got married, he’d probably be late to his own wedding.
Before meeting Zverev, Sophia’s love life had its share of drama. She was married to Norwegian singer Andy LaPlegua in 2016, but the marriage ended just a year later, with Sophia citing her fiercely independent personality as a dealbreaker for some men. Then came a high-profile relationship with Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale in 2017, which lasted over a year before fizzling out.
Through it all, Sophia has proven to be more than just a side character in someone else’s story. With her independence, career, and charisma, she’s a fascinating partner to Zverev—adding color, perspective, and an undeniable spark to their shared journey. And as Zverev himself might say, having someone like her in his corner makes all the difference.
Alexander Zverev’s Daughter Mayla, Conflict with Brenda Patea, and the Shadow of Domestic Abuse Allegations
In March 2021, tennis ace Alexander Zverev and German model Brenda Patea welcomed a baby girl named Mayla. The happy announcement came months after Brenda shocked everyone in October 2020 by revealing her pregnancy with a candid statement: “I’m 20 weeks pregnant and expecting a child from Alex.” By the time Mayla arrived, the two parents were no longer together, but Zverev publicly committed to supporting their daughter despite the breakup.
Brenda embraced her new role with open arms, frequently sharing glimpses of her life with Mayla on Instagram. For instance, on Mother’s Day, Brenda reflected on the joy of being a mom. She revealed that receiving a heartfelt “Happy Mother’s Day” message felt surreal, sharing her happiness even though Mayla was still too young to understand. Her message emphasized that celebrating motherhood is an everyday affair, not confined to just one date.
When the world learned of Brenda’s pregnancy, Zverev was brimming with anticipation. “It’s going to be the most important thing in my life,” he said, describing the excitement of becoming a father for the first time. Despite their strained relationship, he reiterated that he and Brenda would unite to raise their child. However, Brenda seemed skeptical of his words, challenging his expressions of joy and questioning the authenticity behind them.
On a different note, Zverev found himself in the spotlight for less joyful reasons. A domestic abuse case involving Patea reached a resolution in June 2024, coinciding with his semifinal appearance at the French Open. The Berlin court finalized an out-of-court settlement, requiring Zverev to pay €200,000, with €150,000 going to the state and the rest to nonprofit organizations. The agreement came after Patea testified behind closed doors earlier that month. Under German law, the settlement means Zverev avoids a criminal record, and no judgment on guilt or innocence was made.
This case originally began with accusations of physical abuse stemming from a 2020 incident in which Patea alleged that Zverev assaulted her during an argument. Though Zverev denied any wrongdoing, the legal battle extended for years. In 2023, a German court issued an initial penalty order of €450,000, based on compelling evidence that typically doesn’t necessitate a full trial. Zverev contested the decision, pushing the matter into public court proceedings, which the June 2024 settlement concluded.
Alexander Zverev says some journalists care more about clicks than the actual truth regarding his domestic violence case
“Can I ask about the trial in Germany? Do you think it’s appropriate to continue on the ATP players council while that case is underway?”
Zverev: “Why would… pic.twitter.com/r3SyE3ksUv
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 16, 2024
Further complicating the narrative, Zverev has faced similar accusations from another ex-girlfriend, Olya Sharypova. In 2020, Sharypova claimed Zverev physically attacked her, describing incidents of choking and punching that left her fearing for her life. Following a 15-month ATP investigation, however, no action was taken due to insufficient evidence. For his part, Zverev has consistently denied all allegations, labeling some claims as fabricated and maintaining his innocence.
At 27, Zverev stands as one of tennis’s top players, ranked No. 2 in the world. A U.S. Open finalist in 2020, he’s still chasing that elusive first Grand Slam title. While his professional achievements continue to keep fans riveted, his personal life—spanning fatherhood, allegations, and legal entanglements—remains a source of intrigue and controversy.
Tales in Tattoos: The Life and Stories of Sophia Thomalla
Sophia Thomalla, a German actress, presenter, and model, is the kind of person who turns heads and leaves a trail of intrigue everywhere she goes. Her life is a mix of edgy decisions and unforgettable moments. From dabbling in kickboxing as a child to chasing her dreams on Germany’s Next Top Model—though not quite making it—she still claimed the spotlight. In 2010, FHM named her the third sexiest woman in the world, cementing her status as a powerhouse of charisma and style. But Sophia’s story isn’t just about fame; it’s etched into her very skin, in the form of 11 tattoos, each one a chapter of her life.
Let’s start with her left arm, a canvas brimming with meaning and memories. There’s a pair of black-shaded roses—one gracing the inside of her upper arm, the other nestled near her wrist. These aren’t just decorative; they represent love and affection, universal yet deeply personal. Just below the roses, a tribute to her mother, Simone Thomalla—a celebrated German actress herself—stands out. The inner forearm bears Simone’s portrait, a token of Sophia’s deep admiration for her “role model,” even if, in her own words, she sometimes finds her mother’s advice a bit overwhelming.
Adding more personal drama to her ink is the tattoo of her ex-boyfriend Till Lindemann, the famed frontman of Rammstein. It’s prominently placed on the same forearm—a lingering memento of their five-year relationship, which ended in 2015. Nearby, her wrist carries another nod to her mother: Simone’s signature, a striking testament to their strong connection. And then there’s the eagle spreading its wings across her left bicep and shoulder, a bold emblem of her strength, independence, and power—qualities that define her unapologetic approach to life. Not far from it, a massive eye adorns her outer bicep, hinting at themes of spirituality and the eternal watchful presence of loved ones lost.
Sophia’s most enigmatic tattoos might be the cobra faces perched on her shoulders, inked by Mario Barth, a tattoo legend. These snakes don’t just slither in for aesthetics; they symbolize good luck, wealth, and nobility—things Sophia seems to carry naturally. Her neck, however, holds a bittersweet reminder of her past—a simple tattoo reading “Till,” her ex’s first name. It’s an imprint of a once-happy chapter she embraced, even if the story ended.
Moving to her right arm, her ink continues to tell tales of identity and determination. Alongside her mother’s signature, Sophia has immortalized her own autograph on her wrist. This tattoo radiates pride in her individuality and career, a declaration that she’s a star in her own eyes—a sentiment she’s candid about. A shark tattoo diving ferociously on her forearm speaks of her aggressive zest for life, her confidence, and her determination to live boldly. Finally, a massive skull tattoo completes her inked narrative, its meaning fluid and layered. For Sophia, it’s a symbol of strength, resilience, and the adversities she’s conquered—reminders of her journey’s highs and lows.
Sophia once said she doesn’t regret her tattoos—not even the ones tied to separation rumors or fleeting moments. They’re pieces of her life, fragments of stories she’s lived, and statements of who she is and what she values. Even when the ink isn’t perfect (and let’s be real, when is life perfect?), she owns it all—just like she does everything else.
