Zverev and Thomalla Mark Fifth Anniversary as Madrid Open Semifinal Looms

Key facts

• Alexander Zverev, ranked world No. 3, faces Alexander Blockx in the Madrid Open semifinals on May 1, 2026.
• Zverev defeated Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 6-4 in the quarterfinals to reach his fifth straight ATP Masters 1000 semifinal.
• Zverev and girlfriend Sophia Thomalla celebrated their fifth anniversary on his 29th birthday, one day before the Madrid Open started.
• Thomalla is currently in Koh Samui, Thailand, hosting the show 'Are You The One?' and could not attend the Madrid Open.
• Thomalla posted an Instagram photo on April 26 in a brown swimsuit with the caption: 'Bangs: now I mind my business because I can’t see yours 😎'.
• Zverev has failed to advance past the semifinal in his last six ATP Masters 1000 matches.
• The winner of Zverev vs. Blockx will face Jannik Sinner in the final.
• Carlos Alcaraz is injured and will not compete at the French Open, boosting Zverev's chances for his first major title.

A Fifth Consecutive Semifinal

Alexander Zverev will step onto the clay of Caja Mágica on May 1 for his fifth consecutive ATP Masters 1000 semifinal, a testament to his consistency at the highest level. The world No. 3 earned his place by dispatching Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 6-4 in the quarterfinals, a match that showcased his dominance on the surface. Yet the German knows that reaching the final has been elusive: he has lost in the semifinal stage in his last six Masters 1000 appearances.

The Challenge of Alexander Blockx

Standing between Zverev and a shot at the title is 21-year-old Belgian Alexander Blockx, a player Zverev admires for his on-court spirit. 'I think he has great spirit when he's on the tennis court. I enjoy watching him play,' Zverev told reporters. The veteran acknowledged the mental hurdle of advancing past this stage, saying, 'Of course, I need to get past this stage now.' A victory would set up a final against Italian superstar Jannik Sinner.

A Milestone Off the Court

Just before the tournament began, Zverev and his girlfriend, Sophia Thomalla, marked their fifth anniversary on his 29th birthday. Thomalla, who is currently in Koh Samui, Thailand, hosting the reality show 'Are You The One?', posted a carousel of photos on Instagram showing Zverev asleep with their dog, Mischka. 'Happy Birthday my love ❤️ Thank you for these 5 THRILLING years 😂🫶🏼,' she wrote. A second post on their dog's Instagram account, which has over 11,000 followers, added: 'Happy Birthday, Papa ❤️🐕 #RoutineIsSleep #BusinessAsUsual.'

Distance and Dedication

Thomalla's work commitments have kept her away from Zverev's matches at the Madrid Open. On April 26, she posted a photo of herself in a brown swimsuit in Koh Samui, with the caption: 'Bangs: now I mind my business because I can’t see yours 😎.' The couple, who have been together since 2020, faced split rumors earlier this year but publicly dispelled them at the Miami Open in March. While Thomalla is likely eager to return to Zverev and their dog in Europe, the shooting schedule for her show remains unclear.

A Clearer Path at Roland Garros

Zverev's prospects for his first major title may have improved with the news that Carlos Alcaraz, injured, will not compete at the French Open next month. Thomalla, who has been unable to attend recent tournaments, will 'surely do everything she can' to be present at Roland Garros, though her hosting duties may prevent it. For now, Zverev's focus remains on Madrid, where he aims to hoist his first trophy of the year.

The Stakes Ahead

A victory over Blockx would not only end Zverev's streak of semifinal losses but also set up a marquee final against Sinner. The Madrid Open represents a critical juncture in Zverev's season, as he seeks to convert consistent deep runs into silverware. With Alcaraz absent from the French Open, the coming weeks could define whether Zverev finally breaks through for a Grand Slam title.

The bottom line

• Zverev reached his fifth straight ATP Masters 1000 semifinal by beating Cobolli 6-1, 6-4.
• He faces Alexander Blockx on May 1; the winner meets Jannik Sinner in the final.
• Zverev and Thomalla celebrated their fifth anniversary on his 29th birthday, one day before the Madrid Open.
• Thomalla is in Thailand hosting 'Are You The One?' and missed the Madrid Open.
• Zverev has lost his last six Masters 1000 semifinals.
• Alcaraz's injury absence from the French Open boosts Zverev's Grand Slam chances.