Alexander Zverev Biography
Childhood
Alexander Zverev was born on April 20, 1997, in Hamburg, Germany, to Russian parents who were both professional tennis players. His father, Alexander Mikhailovich Zverev, and his mother, Irina Zvereva, had careers competing in the Soviet Union. Growing up in a tennis family, Alexander began playing tennis at an exceptionally young age—around three years old. His family affectionately calls him Sascha, the Russian diminutive for Alexander. Although he tried other sports like hockey and football in his youth, he decided to focus solely on tennis around age twelve. His competitive spirit from childhood was notable, as he would rarely accept defeat when playing even with his older brother Mischa, who is also a professional tennis player.
Career
Zverev’s junior career was highly successful, marked by rapid progress through the ranks. He played his first junior match at age 13 and quickly rose to become the top-ranked junior player globally. Among his achievements as a junior were winning the boys' singles title at the Australian Open in 2014 and reaching the finals and semifinals in other prestigious junior Grand Slam tournaments. He turned professional in 2013 and steadily climbed the ATP rankings.
In 2016, at the age of 19, Zverev won his first ATP singles title in Saint Petersburg. He became one of the youngest players since Novak Djokovic to break into the top three of the ATP rankings at just 20 years old. His career highlights include winning the ATP Finals twice (in 2018 and 2021) and securing the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, showcasing his position among tennis’s elite players. As of 2025, he has 24 ATP singles titles to his name and continues to compete at the highest level.
Current Family Life
Alexander Zverev currently resides in Monte Carlo, Monaco, where he balances his professional career with his personal life. His family remains a core part of his support system, with his father serving as his coach and his brother still involved in tennis. Zverev has also been actively involved in philanthropy, founding the Alexander Zverev Foundation in 2022 to help children with diabetes, a condition he has managed since childhood. His life reflects a balance of intense focus on his sport and dedication to family and charitable efforts.
Alexander Zverev Summary
Alexander Zverev is a prominent German tennis player of Russian descent, known for his powerful game and competitive drive from an early age. Beginning tennis at three and turning professional in 2013, he has built a distinguished career with major titles, including the ATP Finals and an Olympic gold medal. His family background in tennis deeply influenced his development, aided by the coaching of his father and companionship of his brother. Off the court, Zverev actively supports charitable causes and manages his health challenges while remaining a top contender in the sport worldwide.