Alexander Zverev won the French Open title but Sophia Thomalla’s earlier remark still stole the spotlight

Alexander Zverev is standing one match away from the biggest achievement of his career. The German star reached the 2026 French Open final and earned another chance to finally lift his first Grand Slam trophy. With many fans focused on the championship match, attention has also turned to one familiar face who has not been seen in Paris this year, his girlfriend, Sophia Thomalla.

The World No. 3 booked his place in the Roland Garros final after beating Jakub Mensik in the semifinals. He was set to face Italy’s Flavio Cobolli, who advanced after Matteo Arnaldi withdrew from their semifinal because of illness. Reports from Germany suggested that Sophia Thomalla would not be present in Zverev’s player box for the final despite the importance of the occasion.

Alexander Zverev’s girlfriend Sophia Thomalla plans Paris trip only if he wins the French Open title

Sophia Thomalla has not attended the French Open during this year’s tournament. According to reports, the television presenter has been busy with work commitments and was recently in Thailand filming a television project.

While Thomalla has been away, Zverev has still had strong support in Paris. His father and coach, Alexander Zverev Sr., his brother Mischa Zverev, close friend Marcelo Melo, and his grandmother Natalia have all been part of his support team during the tournament. His mother has previously said she finds it too stressful to watch his matches live.

Thomalla’s absence surprised some tennis fans, but it appears to be part of a plan the couple has followed for years. She once explained her approach by saying: “I would never show up during a Grand Slam.”

Reports indicate that Thomalla planned to watch the final from Cologne. If Zverev won the title, she was expected to immediately travel to Paris to celebrate the historic moment with him before returning to Germany shortly afterward.

Zverev also created a light-hearted moment after reaching the final. Following his semifinal victory over Jakub Mensik, he joked about his father during an on-court interview.

“My coach hasn’t told me anything in 25 years. I wish he would tell me something sometimes.” The crowd laughed at the remark, but Zverev was not finished. “No, I lost so many matches in my life and he still hasn’t said anything. So it doesn’t change.”

The comments showed the relaxed mood around the German star before one of the biggest matches of his career. After losing Grand Slam finals at the 2020 US Open, the 2024 French Open and the 2025 Australian Open, Zverev entered Paris hoping the fourth attempt would finally bring the title he had been chasing for years.