The scene at the Paris Olympics is causing quite a stir, and not for the reasons you’d expect. It’s not just the high stakes of the competition or the intense matches on the court; it’s the lack of basic amenities and hygiene at the venue that’s raising eyebrows. This issue has troubled many athletes, but it has also created waves of dismay among their fans and families. One particularly concerned individual is Sophia Thomalla, the steadfast supporter of German tennis star Alexander Zverev.

Known for always being there to cheer on her partner, Thomalla has now found herself at a crossroads. The German actress and model is often witnessed in the stands watching her beau play on the tennis courts. She also made a special appearance at the recently concluded Wimbledon. While many expected her presence at the grand stage of the tournament, the actress made a surprising decision to stay away from Paris. Thomalla has now revealed the exact reason behind her decision.

Speaking to RTL’s Katja Burkard for her show Punkt 12, Thomalla revealed the commitments she had to fulfill. “In principle, I also attend a lot of tennis tournaments to support him. But I can’t take part in every tournament.”  Or in other words, as Sophia jokingly puts it: “The man has to do that on his own, because his mother has to work.” Earlier, Thomalla’s Instagram posts highlighted her absence at the venue due to her professional commitments. She was also on a shoot for AB haircouture, a Berlin-based hair salon, a couple of days ago. But there is more to it and her absence is not just due to her work!

Thomalla further revealed the amenities issue at the Games. “ He’s in the Olympic Village, which means he’s not allowed to bring anyone with him […] But I also heard that there’s no air conditioning and no toilets for three. So I said: ‘No, honey, you can do that on your own.” Similar concerns were highlighted by the American tennis star Coco Gauff as well. 

Taking to her Instagram, the reigning US Open champion had shared the clips from the Olympic village. The footage shows a frantic scene from the venue: a cramped apartment, filled with athletes getting ready in every corner, clothes strewn over the floor, no air conditions and curtains in some rooms, and just two bathrooms for ‘10 girls.’ Coming back to Thomalla, this is not her first absence at Roland Garros. 

Zverev’s previous campaign on the clay court, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the finals, also didn’t see Thomalla in the stands. However, the support the couple extends to each other is incredible, which leads Thomalla to reveal her next appearance on the tennis courts.

Thomalla opens up about accompanying Zverev for this particular tournament

Thomalla and Zverev have been dating each other since 2020 and the couple have often opened up about their love for each other. The German No. 1 has also admitted that he plays better during his partner’s presence. 

In an interview in 2021, Zverev said, “I play extremely well with her behind me and I hope that will continue.” And while Thomalla has failed to mark her presence for the Olympics, she has revealed that she would soon accompany Zverev to the tennis courts. Speaking in the same interview with Burkard, Thomalla said that she will visit the US Open and at his next tournaments in Cincinnati and Montreal.

For the German tennis star, keeping up with the flow is essential. The ace player has won against the Czech Tomas Machac, the Spaniard Jaume Munar, and the Australian Alexei Popyrin in straight sets each. Can he defend the Olympic gold in Paris? Only time will tell.