Why Zverev's Girlfriend Wasn't There to Watch His Career Implode at Wimbledon

By Lewis Barnett 3 July, 2025 6 mins read 28 Views

God, what a mess.

I've covered tennis for eight years now, and watching Alexander Zverev completely fall apart on Centre Court this week was honestly painful. The guy's ranked third in the world, and he just got absolutely demolished by Arthur Rinderknech - a player most casual fans couldn't pick out of a lineup if their life depended on it. But here's the kicker: his girlfriend Sophia Thomalla wasn't even there to witness the carnage.

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Where Was She When Everything Went Sideways?

Turns out Thomalla was back in Germany filming some commercial deals while her boyfriend was having what can only be described as an existential crisis on live television. According to BILD (because of course the German tabloids had all the details), she was locked into shooting commitments that she couldn't break.

Look, I get it. Work is work, and she's got her own career as a TV presenter and influencer. But the optics? Brutal. Your partner is melting down at one of tennis's biggest stages, admitting he feels "alone" and "empty," and you're... what, selling skincare products?

The Breakdown That Made Everyone Uncomfortable

Zverev's post-match interview was genuinely hard to watch. This is a guy who's made it to three Grand Slam finals, earned millions, and he's sitting there saying he might need therapy for teh first time in his life.

"I feel very alone out there at times. I struggle mentally," he said, and you could practically hear the collective intake of breath from the press room. "Generally speaking, I feel quite alone in life at the moment, which is not very nice."

Jesus. That's not your typical "I'll bounce back stronger" athlete speak.

He kept going: "Maybe for the first time in my life I'll probably need therapy. I've been through a lot of difficulties. I've never felt this empty before." The man looked like he was about to cry on camera, and honestly? I felt bad for him.

The Match That Broke Him

Five sets over two days. 7-6, 6-7, 6-3, 6-7, 6-4 to Rinderknech, who literally threw himself face-first onto the grass afterward like he'd just won Wimbledon itself. Poor guy probably thought he was dreaming.

Zverev had every opportunity to close it out. Multiple times. But he kept choking when it mattered, which has basically become his signature move at this point. Remember the Australian Open final in January? Same story - so close you could taste it, then... nothing.

The Bigger Picture (And It's Not Pretty)

Here's what really gets me: Zverev had the perfect setup this year to become world number one. Jannik Sinner was dealing with his doping case, there was an opening at the top, and instead of seizing the moment, Zverev has been losing to players ranked outside the top 50 like it's his job.

The guy admitted he's not getting joy from winning anymore. Even when he won Stuttgart and Halle recently, he said it felt hollow. "Even when I'm winning... I'd not getting the feeling I used to get, when I was happy, over the moon, motivated to keep going."

That's genuinely concerning. When a professional athlete at the peak of their sport says winning doesn't make them happy anymore, that's not just a slump - that's a crisis.

About That Relationship...

Thomalla and Zverev have been together since 2020, after she split from Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius (remember him?). She's usually a fixture in his player box, cheering him on with that slightly intense energy that WAGs at tennis matches seem to perfect.

But this week? Radio silence. Just empty seats where she normally sits, while her boyfriend is having what amounts to a public breakdown.

I'm not saying her absence caused his loss - the guy's been struggling for months. But when you're already feeling isolated adn your support system isn't physically there during one of your lowest moments... well, it can't help.

What Happens Next?

Honestly? I have no idea.

Zverev's got some serious soul-searching to do, and hopefully he follows through on that therapy comment. The tennis tour is brutal enough when you're mentally strong - trying to compete at the highest level when you feel "empty" inside is basically impossible.

As for Thomalla, she'll probably be back in his box for the next tournament, posting supportive Instagram stories and pretending this whole thing never happened. That's how these relationships work in the public eye.

But man, watching someone unravel like that on Centre Court... it stays with you. Zverev needs help, and he needs it fast. Because right now, he's not just losing tennis matches - he's losing himself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the historical roots of tennis?

Tennis has its origins in the 12th century France. Monks used their hands to hit a ball called jeu de paume, which was played on courtyards of monasteries. Tennis evolved over time as rackets became available. The game was popularized by the European nobility in the 16th century. Tennis has seen many changes over the years, such as the introduction of lawn-tennis in the nineteenth century and the standardization of rules.

How has the scoring system in tennis contributed to its unique character?

Tennis' scoring system is unique and adds to its appeal. Sets and games are used to divide matches. Players must win at least six games by two margins to be able to claim a match. In games, scoring goes from love (0), to fifteen (30), and forty (40), before the winner is determined. When players reach deuce, (tied at 40), they need to win by 2 consecutive points. This system has a high level of tension, and is often unpredictable.

Who is credited with standardizing the modern game of tennis?

Major Walter Clopton Wingfield owes a lot to the modernization of tennis. In 1873, he introduced a version of the game that he called Sphairistike, which was played on an hourglass-shaped grass court. Wingfield’s version of the sport included a simplified system for scoring and similar equipment to that which is used today. The rules for lawn tennis were based on this iteration. By 1877, Wimbledon Championships had been held and the rules and structure of the game was firmly established.

How have women's contributions to tennis shaped the sport?

Tennis has been shaped by women, through their performances on the court and their advocacy for equality and respect off the court. Billie Jean King's tireless efforts to promote equal prize-money and professional opportunities for female tennis players led to the Women's Tennis Association's (WTA's) formation in 1973. Icons such as Steffi Graf, Venus and Serena Williams, and Martina Navratilova dramatically raised the sport's profile with their talent and competitive spirit. The sport is popular with both men and women.

What are tennis' four Grand Slam tournaments?

The four Grand Slams, or Majors as they are sometimes called, are among the most prestigious tournaments in professional tennis. The Australian Open takes place every January, followed by the French Open and Wimbledon in May, June, and July. Finally, the US Open and Australian Open take place in August and September. These tournaments have a rich history and are known for the high level of competition. They also offer significant prize money, ranking points, and a great deal of prestige. Grand Slams are regarded as one of tennis' greatest achievements.

Statistics

Since the Open Era began in 1968, allowing professional players to compete in the Grand Slams, the United States has produced the most Grand Slam singles titles across men's and women's competition.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) governs over 200 nations, indicating the sport's vast international governance structure and participation rate.
As of 2023, Wimbledon remains the oldest tennis tournament in the world and is considered by many to be the most prestigious.
Professional tennis players can serve the ball at speeds exceeding 150 mph, with the fastest serve recorded at 163.7 mph by Australian player Sam Groth in 2012.
The modern game of tennis originated in England in the late 19th century, with the first Wimbledon Championship held in 1877.

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How To

How to maintain your court for optimal tennis play

Regular tennis court maintenance ensures a safe and high-quality playing surface. For hard courts, remove dirt and debris, repair cracks, and periodically resurface to prevent slipping and irregular ball bounces. Clay courts need daily sweeping and rolling, as well as proper moisture management. Grass court maintenance requires meticulous mowing. It also includes watering and aeration. The longevity and performance of your court will be preserved by maintaining a consistent schedule.