Alexander Zverev’s first Grand Slam title has brought new attention to one of the most visible people in his life away from the court.
The German tennis star defeated Flavio Cobolli in five sets to win the 2026 French Open on Sunday, June 7, marking the first major championship of his career. As Zverev’s long wait ended in Paris, interest also returned to Sophia Thomalla, the German model, television personality, entrepreneur, and longtime partner who has been part of his public life for years.
People reported that Thomalla and Zverev have been together since 2020. She has supported him at tournaments, appeared alongside him in Netflix’s tennis documentary Break Point, and built her own career in German entertainment and business.
Thomalla Built Her Career in German Entertainment
Thomalla was born in East Berlin on Oct. 6, 1989. People reported that her parents, Simone Thomalla and André Vetters, are both actors, giving her an early connection to the entertainment industry.
She grew up in several German cities, including Berlin, Cologne, Kleinmachnow, and Gelsenkirchen. Her own career later moved through modeling, acting, television presenting, and hosting.
Thomalla has hosted Germany’s version of Are You The One?, the dating format that first premiered in the United States on MTV. Her Instagram bio also identifies her as a moderator, investor, owner of Hardkorn Spirits, and host connected to RTL and RTL+.
She Has Supported Zverev Through Major Tennis Moments
Thomalla has appeared in the stands at several of Zverev’s matches over the years. People reported that she watched him win the ATP Paris Masters in November 2024 and has frequently been seen cheering him on during tournaments.
The couple also drew attention at the 2025 Australian Open when cameras caught them doing a playful secret handshake before one of his matches. Zverev later joked that the moment represented “the coolest version of German” possible.
Zverev has spoken about what Thomalla brings to his life during competition. People quoted him telling a German tennis magazine in 2021 that she gives him peace and security, adding that he plays extremely well when she is behind him.
Netflix Gave Fans a Closer Look at Their Relationship
Thomalla appeared in Season 2 of Netflix’s Break Point, which followed Zverev’s return from the severe ankle injury he suffered at the 2022 French Open.
Her appearance gave viewers a more personal look at Zverev’s life away from tournament results. People noted one lighter moment from the series in which Thomalla teased him for being late in almost every situation.
The documentary also placed her inside one of the defining chapters of his career: the long recovery from the injury that ended his 2022 Roland-Garros semifinal against Rafael Nadal.
Her Past Relationships Also Drew Public Interest
Before her relationship with Zverev, Thomalla had already been covered by international celebrity media. People reported that she was linked to musician Gavin Rossdale in 2017, following his split from Gwen Stefani.
Rossdale and Thomalla later made their relationship Instagram official. People reported that they dated for a little over a year before separating.
Thomalla was also previously married to Norwegian singer Andy LaPlegua. According to People, they married in March 2016 and announced their divorce in May 2017.
Zverev’s Public Profile Includes Serious Scrutiny
People’s profile also noted that Zverev has faced domestic abuse allegations from two former partners during his relationship with Thomalla. Zverev has denied the allegations.
The ATP closed an investigation into allegations made by former girlfriend Olga Sharypova in 2023 without taking disciplinary action. In a separate case, former partner Brenda Patea accused Zverev of causing bodily harm during a 2020 argument, and People cited ESPN in reporting that the case was settled in 2024.
Those details remain part of the public record around Zverev. They also explain why coverage of his personal life carries more legal and reputational context than a standard athlete profile.
Zverev Won His First Major in Paris
The Associated Press reported that Zverev defeated Cobolli 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-1 in the French Open final. The victory came in his fourth major final and gave him the Grand Slam title that had eluded him for years.
Reuters reported that the win made Zverev the first German man to claim a major championship since Boris Becker won the Australian Open more than 30 years ago.
For Thomalla, the renewed attention comes from both Zverev’s biggest tennis achievement and her own public profile. She has spent years building a media career, hosting shows, launching business projects, and maintaining a visible celebrity presence of her own.
Zverev’s French Open win now gives international readers a new reason to look up the woman who has been beside him through injuries, finals, documentaries, tournament boxes, and the long wait for his first Grand Slam title.