Australian tennis star Alexander Zverev is making headlines not only for his remarkable performance at the Australian Open but also for his entertaining rapport with girlfriend Sophia Thomalla. The 27-year-old Zverev, seeded second, has successfully navigated through tough matches, recently defeating American player Tommy Paul to advance to the semi-finals. This victory marks another step toward Zverev's long-cherished dream of clinching his first Grand Slam title.
During the semi-final match held on January 23, 2025, Zverev showcased his remarkable skills, winning the match with set scores of 7-6 (7-1), 7-6 (7-0), 2-6, and 6-1. Just as notable as his athletic prowess was Zverev’s playful side, particularly showcased during his on-court exchange with commentator Jim Courier. Courier couldn't resist asking Zverev about the secret handshake he shares with Thomalla before his matches, to which Zverev responded with humor, admitting, "What are you doing to me? I just played for four hours... we have been together for three and a half years now. This is the top of German coolness, it does not go any farther than this."
Zverev's relationship with Thomalla, a famous German model and television presenter, has become part of his public persona. They have formed their own pre-match ritual, greeting each other with a unique handshake and kiss, which has entertained fans and added to his warm rapport with the audience. Commentator Jim Courier created laughter during the interview when he noted, "You know there are cameras everywhere, you’re aware of this, right?" Zverev’s witty responses to the playful inquiries have provided moments of levity amid the high-stakes environment of professional tennis.
Despite the joyous moments off the court, Zverev is acutely focused on his objectives at the Australian Open. After his match against Paul, he expressed his determination to push forward. "To be honest, I should have been down two sets to love, he served for both of those sets. I was not playing great," Zverev admitted. Reflecting on the hard-fought match, he noted how he managed to maintain composure and eventually triumph: "Somehow I won the first set, somehow won the second set, (then) I’m up two sets to love all of a sudden and I only need one more set."
Throughout the match, Zverev faced moments of distraction, including crowd interference — particularly when someone yelled just as he was about to strike the ball, leading to heightened tension on the court. Zverev was quick to express his frustration with the chair umpire, making clear his annoyance at the distractions. He famously exclaimed, “Buddy, it’s a feather!” when interruptions occurred, demonstrating his fiery spirit and passion for the game.
After the match, his focus continued to shift back to his relationship with Thomalla. Andrea Petkovic, the former top German player who interviewed Zverev, tried to pry more personal details from him, jokingly asking if he had time for dating with Thomalla, to which he cleverly replied, "I have a date with the training ground later." This quip elicited laughter from Thomalla, who was watching from the stands, showing their mutual support during this intense period.
With each match, Zverev has displayed resilience and tenacity, qualities he hopes will help lead him to future success. His upcoming match against another formidable opponent will put him to the test once again, but he remains confident. Zverev asserted, "He is an incredible player, he plays tactically very well. He has a really good head on the court," referring to his next challenger, but added with assurance, "I think I am fast on the tennis court – but only on the tennis court."
Overall, Zverev’s performance at the Australian Open has not only emphasized his athletic ambition but also highlighted his engaging personality and loving connection with Thomalla. The blend of intensity on the court and lighthearted moments off it captures the essence of his current chapter. With his eyes set firmly on victory, Zverev continues to draw strength from both his sport and the supportive presence of his partner as he strives for the trophy.
His determination to make this tournament his own is palpable, and as he progresses through the rounds, fans and spectators are eager to see if he can transform his dreams of Grand Slam glory from wishful thinking to reality. Only time will tell if this year will be the one he finally claims his long-desired title, but one thing is for certain: Zverev’s heart is as much on the tennis court as it is with Thomalla, his steadfast supporter.