Alexander Zverev, currently ranked World No. 3, is stepping into the 2025 US Open with a sense of optimism—and a little bit of flavor from New York’s culinary scene. On August 24, 2025, just days before the first ball was struck at Flushing Meadows, Zverev and his girlfriend, German model and actress Sophia Thomalla, were spotted enjoying the Taste of Tennis event in Manhattan. The couple, who have been together since 2020, mingled with renowned chefs, fellow tennis stars, and celebrities at this annual pre-tournament celebration.
The Taste of Tennis event has become a staple for players and fans alike, marking its 25th anniversary this year. Zverev seemed genuinely delighted to be part of the festivities, sharing his excitement on social media with the caption, “Celebrating 25 years of fun, tennis and delicious food @tasteoftennis ✨🎾🍝🎉 #TasteOfTennis #NYC.” Thomalla, ever supportive, posted a snapshot of the two at the event, further fueling the buzz among tennis and lifestyle followers.
But make no mistake—Zverev’s focus remains firmly on the hard courts of the US Open. In a press conference ahead of his opening match, the German star reflected on his preparations and recent form. “Yeah, feeling good. Had a good practice week. I think everybody’s ready to kind of get going now in the tournament. I had two positive tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati, where you know my level has kind of been improving with every match, and until I didn’t feel so well in the semis against Carlos. All in all, positive in my mind and looking forward to this year’s US Open,” Zverev told reporters.
Zverev’s recent run-up to the US Open has been nothing short of impressive. He reached the semifinals at both the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open—two major ATP Masters 1000 events on hard courts. In Toronto, he fell to Karen Khachanov, who would go on to be the eventual runner-up. In Cincinnati, Zverev’s campaign was halted in the semifinals by Carlos Alcaraz, the eventual champion. These results have not only boosted his confidence but also signaled to the tennis world that he’s a serious contender for the US Open title this year.
Looking back, Zverev’s best performance at the US Open came in 2020, when he made it all the way to the final before losing a heartbreaker to Dominic Thiem. Last year, he reached the quarterfinals, eventually bowing out to Taylor Fritz, who finished as the tournament’s runner-up. These deep runs in New York have established Zverev as a perennial threat on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows.
Before he begins his singles campaign, Zverev also dipped his toes into the mixed doubles draw at the 2025 US Open. Teaming up with Swiss star Belinda Bencic, the duo faced Americans Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison in the opening round. Unfortunately for Zverev and Bencic, their mixed doubles journey was cut short, as they lost 4-0, 5-3. Still, the early exit in doubles has allowed Zverev to channel his energy and focus solely on his singles quest.
So, who stands in Zverev’s way in the opening round of the 2025 US Open? He’s set to face Alejandro Tabilo, a rising talent from Chile. Tabilo’s recent hard-court form has been a mixed bag. At the Cincinnati Open, he fell in the first round to Roman Safiullin, and at the Cancún Country Open, he managed a first-round victory over Francesco Passaro before being ousted by Thiago Agustín Tirante in the second round. Despite these results, Tabilo remains a dangerous opponent, capable of producing inspired tennis on the big stage.
The head-to-head record between Zverev and Tabilo stands at 1-0 in favor of the German. Their only previous ATP Tour meeting came during the semifinals of the 2024 Italian Open. In that clash, Zverev rallied from a set down to win 1-6, 7-6(4), 6-2, before going on to claim the title—his seventh ATP Masters 1000 trophy and the 24th of his career. That victory not only showcased Zverev’s resilience but also set the stage for what could be an intriguing rematch in New York.
For Tabilo, the draw is daunting, but he’s no stranger to battling higher-ranked opponents. His journey to the US Open has included appearances in major ATP events, though he’s yet to make a significant breakthrough on the tour’s biggest stage. Tabilo’s only win in recent weeks came in Cancún, and he’ll need to summon his best tennis to challenge the in-form Zverev.
The winner of the Zverev-Tabilo clash will move forward to face either Roberto Bautista Agut, the experienced Spaniard known for his consistency, or Jacob Fearnley, a British up-and-comer looking to make a mark at the Grand Slam level. The draw certainly doesn’t get any easier from here, and every match promises to be a test of both skill and nerves.
It’s worth noting the context of Zverev’s preparation. After his strong showings in both Toronto and Cincinnati, where he powered through multiple rounds—including a win over Ben Shelton in Cincinnati and a composed start against Basavareddy—Zverev appears to be peaking at just the right moment. His ability to adapt quickly to different conditions and recover from setbacks was evident in his run to the semifinals, especially considering his earlier struggles with form and fitness in previous seasons.
Meanwhile, Tabilo’s recent losses—to Safiullin in Cincinnati and Tirante in Cancún—highlight the challenges he faces against top-tier opponents. Yet, the unpredictability of Grand Slam tennis means that anything can happen. Will Tabilo find another gear under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, or will Zverev’s experience and momentum carry him through?
As fans eagerly await the start of Zverev’s campaign, the German’s blend of power, precision, and growing maturity on and off the court makes him one to watch. His off-court moments with Thomalla at Taste of Tennis show a relaxed, confident side—perhaps a sign that he’s found the perfect balance between work and play as he chases Grand Slam glory.
The stage is set, the players are ready, and the city buzzes with anticipation. With the action about to unfold, all eyes will be on Alexander Zverev as he begins his quest for a maiden US Open crown. Whether his journey will echo the heartbreak of 2020 or culminate in triumph remains to be seen. For now, the story is just beginning at Flushing Meadows.