Alexander Zverev welcomes new addition to family with girlfriend who is eight years older | Tennis | Sport
Tennis star Alexander Zverev and his partner Sophia Thomalla have welcomed a new addition to their family – a dachshund puppy. The 28-year-old German and his 36-year-old beau named the dog Mischka, with the pup even accompanying the Hamburg-born player on his travels, such as on his current trip to the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy.
However, despite their delight at welcoming Mischka into their lives, the couple’s reasoning for getting a dog comes after Sophia’s own dog sadly passed away. The world No. 3 explained to German outlet BILD: “Sophia always had a dog, who unfortunately passed away this year. At one point, I was getting 20 dachshund (Instagram) reels a day from Sophia. That’s when I thought to myself: I’ve understood the message, what’s going on.”
At just twelve weeks old, Mischka has already ventured to countries such as Vienna, Paris and now Italy. When Zevrev trains or plays, Mischka has been spotted tagging along with him.
However, Sophia, a TV presenter and model, did take the pup for a walk while her boyfriend attended media events at the Teatro Regio in the Piedmontese metropolis.
Zverev said: “Mischka is always with me. But when Sophia flies to Thailand for filming, he stays with my family and me”. The 2020 US Open finalist also opened up on his training regime for the new member of their family, admitting that he’s a soft touch.
“Sophia is a bit stricter with him and tries to teach him things,” he said. “I, on the other hand, let him do whatever he wants.” And what’s his favorite food? “He eats anything that’s on the ground.”
Fans of the couple and their celebrity friends have shared their joy about Mischka’s arrival. Taking to social media underneath a photo of Zverev, Sophia and the pup, comedian Ilka Bessin said: “Oh God, how cute is he.”
TV host Caroline Beil and TV star Evelyn Burdecki responded with emojis. Singer Kim Fisher was simply overwhelmed and said: “I’m losing it.”
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Zverev and Sophia have been an item for four years. They made their relationship public in October 2021 and have often shared their disinterest at their large age gap. Sophia often posts sweet tributes to Zverev on social media, while he mainly keeps his profile dedicated to tennis-related photos.
He has spoken highly of his partner in the past, however. He told a German tennis magazine in 2021: “I think for tennis players it is always very important who you have next to you. Sophia is someone who gives me peace and security. I play extremely well with her behind me and I hope that will continue to be the case next year and maybe even better. I haven’t achieved all of my goals yet.”
The TV star has often been spotted cheering on Zverev at several tennis tournaments over the years. In November 2024, the model watched her partner win the title at the ATP Paris Masters.
Afterwards she playfully joked about the trophy that Zverev won, which resembles a tree. She said: “Finally a tree at home that doesn’t die. Congrats, @alexzverev123.”
Sophia has also hailed Zverev’s work outside of tennis. In December 2022 she praised the work Zverev does with his charity. “@alexzverev123, you are beautiful inside and out. What you do for children with diabetes is incredible. I couldn’t be prouder of you,” she wrote.
