Alexander Zverev and the superstition during Roland Garros » Who is in his box and who is missing
Article by Luminița Paul – Published on Sunday, 07 June 2026, 13:30 / Updated on Sunday, 07 June 2026 13:33
German player Alexander Zverev (29 years old, world number 3), present in Paris in his fourth Grand Slam finalsecond on clay at Roland Garros, maintained the same rule throughout the tournament: who sits in his box and in which seats.
Eight people were in his box Alexander Zverev from the first round of the Paris tournament to the current edition, the one in which the German advanced to his fourth major final. Each in the same seat, in the same position, because this is the desire of the world number 3. Superstitious and attentive to the order, Sascha would have accepted a change only in an emergency, notes Bild.
Who are the 8 who are with him permanently from the stand and who is missing?
Alexander Zverev Sr (66 years/front row, left) – Father and coach. He trained his son from the beginning. “He is my main coach and will always remain so,” says the 2021 Olympic champion with conviction. Even when other coaches were hired (Ivan Lendl, Juan Carlos Ferrero, David Ferrer, Sergi Bruguera), the former Davis Cup player of the USSR was always the most important person.
Mischa Zverev (38 years/front row, center) – Brother and coach. The former world number 25, left-handed, he is irreplaceable for Alexander, who is right-handed. His record against left-handers is impressive, thanks in large part to Mischa. “I grew up with a lefty and trained a lot with my brother from a young age,” says Zverev Jr. The two brothers also discuss game tactics.
Mikhail Ledovsky (39, front row, right) – Training partner. Former holder of the 151st place in the world ranking. “It's very, very important to me, it contributes a lot to my game. He feels how my ball is coming in practice and can tell me a lot about how it's performing, what I'm doing and where he sees room for improvement.”
The people who stayed in Alexander Zverev's box throughout Roland Garros 2026 Photo: Imago Images
Timo Schall (33 years old, second row, left) – Physiotherapist. He has experience with Grand Slam winners – previously worked with Angelique Kerber (38 years old), triple champion in major tournaments. Zverev has up to four different physiotherapists who take care of him during tournaments, but none of them have the time to be around all year round.
Jezz Green (53 years old, second row, right) – Physical trainer. The man who helped the former ATP leader Andy Murray (age 39) to reach No. 1 and win three Grand Slam titles. And his brother Mischa called on his services, practically recommending him to Alexander. After a short break, from 2024 he is part of the team again on a permanent basis.
Natalia Fateeva (back row, left) – Grandma. Irina's mother (59 years old), the mother of the Zverev brothers, has been on the circuit with them since spring. The reason is partly sad: “Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away, so I brought her to Europe. She is currently enjoying life to the fullest, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She doesn't have much to do in her hometown, Sochi, and she tries to stay with us as much as possible,” said Zverev.
Alexander Zverev and Marcelo Melo, finalists at Monte Carlo 2024 Photo: Guliver/GettyImages
Marcelo Melo (42 years old, back row, center) – Best friend. He is ranked 43rd in the world in doubles. He still plays alongside Zverev in many tournaments and most notably, the two play Mario Kart together. The Brazilian usually also attends their traditional family holiday in the Maldives after the season is over.
Sergey Bubka Jr (39 years old, back row, right) – Manager. The son of the legendary pole vaulter Sergey Bubka (62) was also a professional tennis player, reaching the 145th place in the world ranking, the best result of his career. He is the point man, handling travel arrangements, hotel reservations, media relations and on-site logistics.
The girlfriend, Sophia Tomalla, was absent from Paris
Who's missing? his mother, Irinais too stressed to watch her son's games from the stands, not even the finals. He made an exception at the US Open, but it was just a bracket. During matches, she walks around the complex or the city, usually accompanied by her dogs, Lövik and Junior.
Alexander Zverev and Sophia Tomalla vacation in the Maldives Photo: Instagram
Zverev's girlfriend, Sophia Thomalla (36 years old), is often in his box, but she did not come to Paris, not even for the final. Zverev's superstition is one of the reasons why he will not be present. “I would never come to a Grand Slam tournament“, she said. In addition, the TV presenter travels a lot for work. If Zverev wins the title, she will travel from Cologne, where she works, to Paris after the final, celebrate with her boyfriend, and return to her hometown on Monday morning.
