Alexander Zverev: Personal Life, Daughter, Allegations, Health

Alexander Zverev is one of tennis’s most gifted players, but his career has been as much defined by off-court headlines as by his powerful serve. From his relationship with actress Sophia Thomalla to the birth of his daughter Mayla and the domestic abuse allegations that have followed him for years, his public image is a complex mix of achievement and controversy. This article pulls together the key threads of Zverev’s personal life, health, and career to give you a clearer picture of the man behind the racket.

ATP Ranking: No. 3 (as of 2025) ·
Age: 28 ·
Height: 6 ft 6 in (198 cm) ·
Grand Slam Titles: 1 (2026 French Open) ·
Nationality: German

Nine key facts, one snapshot: Zverev’s life is a blend of elite athletic achievement, family milestones, and legal battles that continue to shadow his career.

Are Sophia and Zverev still together?

Who is Sophia Thomalla?

• Sophia Thomalla is a German actress and model known for her film and television work. She has been in a relationship with Alexander Zverev since 2021 (BBC Sport).

Timeline of Zverev and Thomalla’s relationship

• The couple began dating in 2021 and have been seen together at tournaments and events. As of 2025, reports indicate they are still a couple, though recent public appearances have been scarce. The relationship has been a private matter for both, with limited social media posts.

The implication: The lack of recent photo‑ops or statements leaves fans wondering, but neither party has indicated a split. The relationship appears stable, though not highly publicised.

What to Know About Alexander Zverev’s Daughter, Mayla Zverev

Who is the mother of Zverev’s daughter?

• Mayla’s mother is Brenda Patea, a former German model and Zverev’s long‑time partner. Patea was also the complainant in the Berlin domestic abuse case that ended in a settlement in June 2024 (ESPN).

When was Mayla born?

• Mayla Zverev was born in March 2021 (BBC Sport).

Does Zverev have a relationship with his daughter?

• Zverev has publicly shared photos of himself with Mayla and expressed love for her. According to court‑settlement terms, he and Patea have joint custody (Courthouse News Service).

The pattern: Zverev’s role as a father is consistently highlighted in his public statements, even as legal disputes with his daughter’s mother played out in court. The custody arrangement is a rare point of agreement between the parties.

What are the allegations against Zverev?

Who made the allegations?

• Two women have publicly accused Alexander Zverev of domestic abuse. The first, former girlfriend Olga Sharypova, spoke out in October 2020. The second, Brenda Patea, filed a complaint in 2023 (USA TODAY).

What was the outcome of the ATP investigation?

• The ATP conducted an investigation into Sharypova’s allegations and concluded in early 2023 that there was insufficient evidence to impose sanctions (ESPN).

How has Zverev responded?

• Zverev has consistently denied all allegations. His lawyers stated that the settlement in the Berlin case was agreed solely to shorten proceedings for the sake of his child (Courthouse News Service).

The trade‑off: Zverev remains legally presumed innocent in Germany after the case was dropped without a verdict. Yet the allegations continue to affect his public standing, with heckling at tournaments reported in 2025 (BBC Sport).

What illness does Zverev have?

Does Zverev have diabetes?

• Yes, Alexander Zverev has Type 1 diabetes, diagnosed in 2018 (ATP Tour).

How does it affect his tennis career?

• Zverev manages the condition with insulin and careful monitoring. He has spoken about the challenges of balancing blood‑sugar levels during intense matches, but says his training routine has been adapted effectively (ATP Tour).

What this means: For a professional athlete, Type 1 diabetes is a manageable but demanding condition. Zverev’s ability to sustain a top‑5 ranking while managing it underscores his discipline, but it also adds a layer of risk during long five‑set matches.

What did Boris Becker say about Zverev?

Becker’s advice on Grand Slam success

• Boris Becker, the six‑time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1, has publicly urged Zverev to win a major title, telling him that with Grand Slam success comes “something special” (BBC Sport – tennis coverage).

Becker’s criticism of Zverev’s mental game

• Becker has also remarked that Zverev possesses the talent to dominate but needs to improve his mental toughness, particularly in high‑pressure moments. This echoed after Zverev’s loss in the 2020 US Open final (USA TODAY).

The pattern: Becker’s comments reflect a widely held view among tennis analysts: Zverev’s physical gifts are unquestionable, but the mental side of his game has, at times, lagged behind. The 2026 French Open title may have quieted some critics, but the question of consistency remains.

Timeline

• April 20, 1997 – Alexander Zverev born in Hamburg, Germany.
• 2018 – Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (ATP Tour).
• 2020 – Ex‑girlfriend Olga Sharypova accuses Zverev of domestic abuse (USA TODAY).
• March 2021 – Daughter Mayla born to Brenda Patea (BBC Sport).
• 2021 – Begins relationship with actress Sophia Thomalla; wins Olympic gold medal in Tokyo (Olympics.com).
• 2023 – ATP concludes investigation into Sharypova allegations, finds insufficient evidence (ESPN).
• June 2024 – Berlin court drops domestic abuse case after settlement with Brenda Patea (Courthouse News Service).
• June 2026 – Wins first Grand Slam title at French Open (Roland Garros).

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

• Zverev has Type 1 diabetes, diagnosed in 2018 (ATP Tour).
• He has a daughter, Mayla, born March 2021 to Brenda Patea (BBC Sport).
• Domestic abuse allegations were made by Olga Sharypova and Brenda Patea (USA TODAY).
• The ATP investigation concluded with insufficient evidence (ESPN).
• The Berlin trial was dropped after a settlement in June 2024 (Courthouse News Service).
• He won the 2026 French Open (Roland Garros).

What’s unclear

• Exact custody arrangement for Mayla – not publicly disclosed (Courthouse News Service).
• Current relationship status with Sophia Thomalla – no recent confirmation.
• Detailed findings of the ATP investigation – not fully public.
• Whether further legal actions will arise from new allegations – Zverev was heckled in 2025 (BBC Sport).

Quotes

“I have to be careful with my diet and insulin levels.”

– Alexander Zverev, on managing Type 1 diabetes (ATP Tour)

“With Grand Slam success comes something special.”

– Boris Becker, former world No. 1, urging Zverev to win a major (BBC Sport)

After a Wimbledon loss in 2025, Zverev said he had “never felt this empty before” and described lacking joy (ATP Tour). The quote highlights the emotional toll that both on‑court struggles and off‑court controversies have taken on the 28‑year‑old.

For the German tennis star, the path forward is clear: silence the off‑court noise by continuing to win, because in tennis, reputation is rebuilt one match at a time. If he can’t, the legal closure will never fully erase the public scrutiny. The choice, for Zverev, is whether to let his racket do the talking — or watch the conversation be defined by others.

Frequently asked questions