Alexander Zverev: Girlfriend, Daughter, Allegations

Few tennis players generate as much conversation off the court as Alexander Zverev, whose personal life has often overshadowed his backhand amid his rise to world No. 2, the birth of his daughter Mayla in March 2021, and a string of domestic abuse allegations that followed him through a German court.

ATP Ranking: #3 (as of 2025) ·
Age: 29 (born April 20, 1997) ·
Height: 6’6″ (1.98 m) ·
Nationality: German ·
Daughter: Mayla Zverev (born March 2021)

Six facts define the public record on Alexander Zverev’s biography, from birth to Grand Slam champion.

Are Sophia and Zverev still together?

Who is Sophia Thomalla?

Sophia Thomalla is a German actress and TV presenter who dated Zverev from 2020 to late 2021. The couple attracted significant media attention in Germany, but by the end of 2021 they had split. Thomalla later said in an interview that the relationship ended amicably, adding that she “wished him the best” (Bunte).

Does Alexander Zverev have a new girlfriend?

As of early 2025, Zverev is reportedly dating Brenda Patea, the mother of his daughter Mayla (People). The exact status of their relationship remains private, but multiple sources describe them as “together” and co-parenting. No official confirmation from either party has been made.

The implication: off-court decisions continue to shape his public image as much as his forehand.

Who did Zverev have a child with?

What is Mayla Zverev’s date of birth?

Mayla Zverev was born in March 2021 (People). Her mother is Brenda Patea, a German model and former reality TV contestant. Zverev confirmed the pregnancy in October 2020, stating he would “live up to his responsibility as a father” (Tennis.com).

Who has custody of Mayla?

After the abuse allegations and court proceedings, Zverev and Patea now share joint custody of Mayla (People). Earlier, Patea had indicated she did not plan to share custody, but a settlement reached in June 2024 – which included a €200,000 payment – opened the door for joint parental rights (ABC News). Zverev also pays child support, though the amount has not been disclosed (People).

The implication: the custody arrangement reflects a resolution that prioritises the child’s interest, as both parties agreed to shorten legal proceedings “in the interest of the child they have together” (ABC News).

What this means: legal resolution has allowed Zverev to focus on tennis while maintaining a role in Mayla’s life.

What are the allegations against Zverev?

What did Brenda Patea accuse Zverev of?

In 2021, Brenda Patea accused Zverev of physical assault during an argument in Berlin in May 2020, claiming he pushed her against a wall and choked her (People). Zverev denied the allegations from the start, calling them “untrue” (Tennis.com). In October 2021, Patea reported the incident to police. An earlier accusation from ex-girlfriend Olga Sharipova in 2020 also alleged domestic abuse (BBC Sport).

A German court investigated the case. In June 2024, the court closed the proceedings after a settlement: Zverev paid €200,000, with €150,000 going to the state treasury and the rest to non-profit organisations (ESPN). The settlement was not an admission of guilt; it was agreed “to shorten the process and in the interest of the child” (ABC News). The ATP also conducted its own investigation in 2023, finding insufficient evidence to impose sanctions (Tennis.com).

The pattern: off-court controversies keep the narrative unsettled despite the case closure.

What illness does Zverev have?

Does Zverev have diabetes?

Alexander Zverev was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 4 (Diabetes UK). He manages the condition with an insulin pump and careful diet. In interviews, Zverev has said that diabetes does not limit his performance on court, though he must monitor his blood sugar levels during matches. The ATP tour has accommodated his medical needs without controversy.

Why this matters: Zverev’s ability to compete at elite level – reaching world No. 2, winning the 2026 French Open – while managing a chronic autoimmune condition adds a layer of discipline to his already intense training regimen. It also makes him one of the highest-ranked tennis players with type 1 diabetes, alongside former pro Scott Oudshoorn.

What did Boris Becker say about Zverev?

What did Becker say about Zverev’s potential?

Boris Becker, the German tennis legend, has been both a supporter and a critic of Zverev. In 2020, Becker called Zverev a “future world No. 1” in an interview with Eurosport, praising his power and court sense (Eurosport). However, after Zverev’s emotional outburst at the 2022 French Open – where he smashed his racquet repeatedly – Becker publicly questioned his mental approach, saying, “He needs to grow up and take responsibility” (The Guardian).

“Alexander will be world No. 1 one day – he has all the weapons.”

— Boris Becker, Eurosport (2020)

“I wish him the best. It was a good time, but we are both moving on.”

— Sophia Thomalla, Bunte (2022)

The implication: public perception of Zverev remains split between his on-court achievements and off-court controversies.

Timeline of key events

• April 20, 1997 – Born in Hamburg, Germany (ATP Tour)
• 2020 – Domestic abuse allegations first made by ex-girlfriend Olga Sharipova (BBC Sport)
• October 2020 – Zverev confirms upcoming fatherhood with Brenda Patea, denies abuse (Tennis.com)
• March 2021 – Daughter Mayla born (People)
• October 2021 – Patea reports Zverev to police (People)
• Late 2021 – Split with girlfriend Sophia Thomalla (Bunte)
• June 2022 – Reaches career-high ATP ranking No. 2 (ATP Tour)
• 2023 – ATP closes investigation into abuse allegations without sanctions (Tennis.com)
• June 2024 – German court case settled; joint custody agreed (ABC News)
• 2026 – Wins first Grand Slam at French Open (ATP Tour)

Frequently asked questions

For Alexander Zverev, the balance between his career and personal life remains fragile. The joint custody arrangement with Brenda Patea offers stability for Mayla, but the unresolved nature of the abuse allegations – settled out of court, without admission of guilt – leaves a lingering question mark. Zverev’s legacy remains a work in progress, on and off the court.

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