NEED TO KNOW
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Alexander Zverev and his ex-girlfriend Brenda Patea are raising their daughter, Maila, who was born in March 2021.
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In 2021, Patea accused Zverev of violence, and the case was settled out of court in 2024.
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Zverev doesn't let Mayla take center stage.
Alexander Zverev is the father of his daughter, Mayla Zvereva.
The Olympic champion became a father in March 2021 when his ex-girlfriend Brenda Patea gave birth to their first child. As reported The Times , they met in 2019 and broke up in 2020.
In October 2021, Patea reported Zverev to police, accusing him of pushing her against a wall and choking her with both hands during an argument in their Berlin apartment in May 2020. (Zverev denies these allegations.) According to the publication, they settled out of court for €200,000 in June 2024. Zverev was also accused of violence by his ex-girlfriend, Olya Sharypova, although the athlete denies these allegations.
According to the Associated Press, following the conclusion of the trial, Patea and Zverev now share custody of Mayla. As reported The Times , Zverev also pays alimony.
Here's everything you need to know about Alexander Zverev's daughter, Mayla Zvereva.
Patea announced she was expecting her first child in October 2020.
Brenda Patea; Alexander Zverev of Germany speaks during the singles trophy ceremony after the men's singles final against Jannik Sinner of Italy on Day 15 of the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. Photo: Brenda Patea/Instagram; Andy Cheng/Getty
Zverev and Patea dated for eight months, from 2019 to 2020. After their split in October 2020, she announced she was expecting her first child.
«"This is my magical beginning, a new life growing beneath my heart," the model shared on Instagram, posting a photo showing her growing belly. "Becoming a mother fills me with immense joy, and at the same time, it's a little scary... There have been heartbreaking moments, joyful moments, and moments of uncertainty, because my child will be born during turbulent times.".
In an interview with a German publication Bild In March 2021, she confirmed that Zverev was the father of her child. Although they were no longer together, the "unplanned" pregnancy was not the cause.
«"Even before, our relationship was complicated because we had different views on life," she said in a translated interview. "Anyone who lives with an athlete has to remain in the shadows.".
Shortly after, Zverev, who has been dating Sofia Thomalla since 2020, confirmed the news himself in a statement published on Tennis.com.
«"Even though Brenda and I are no longer together, we have a good relationship, and I will continue to fulfill my fatherly duties," he said. "Together, we will take care of the little one who is about to grow up. I look forward to the baby's arrival.".
Mayla was born in March 2021.
Brenda Patea; Alexander Zverev. Photo: Brenda Patea/Instagram; Burak Akbulut/Anadolu Agency via Getty
Mayla was born on March 11, 2021. Patea announced Mayla's birth in a since-deleted Instagram post.
«"On March 11, we were thrilled to welcome Myla into the world. #blessed #truelove #miracle," Patea wrote alongside a photo of her daughter's tiny hands, as reported by Yahoo! News.
Patea shared some details about her postpartum experience, posting a separate photo of herself in her nursery and writing in a translated caption: "Every birth is different, and you never know exactly how you'll feel afterward... I don't believe in romanticizing this time.".
«"Of course, it's wonderful, and you spend a very fulfilling time with your baby, but the postpartum period can also be extremely exhausting," she continued. "Mood swings, exhaustion, deep sadness, and insomnia can last longer. Today, two weeks later, I feel better.".
Zverev and Patea share custody of Mayla.
Alexander Zverev with his girlfriend Brenda Patea at the Crown IMG Tennis Party on January 19, 2020, in Melbourne, Australia. Photo: James D. Morgan/Getty
Before Maila Patea's birth, in an interview Bild stated that joint custody of the child with her ex-husband is «out of the question.».
«"To be honest, I don't plan to share custody of the child with him," she said then. "But I will do everything I can to ensure [the child] grows up in a harmonious and proper environment. I have the ability to raise the child alone.".
As part of the conclusion of Patea's trial against Zverev in June 2024, the former spouses agreed to "look to the future" regarding "joint custody of the child," Judge Barbara Lueders said, according to a statement from The Associated Press.
According to data The Times newspaper , Zverev also pays child support.
Zverev doesn't let Mayla take center stage.
German tennis player Alexander Zverev competes against Dutch tennis player Jesper de Jong during their fourth-round match on Day 8 of the 2026 French Open at Roland Garros on May 31, 2026, in Paris, France. Photo: Ian McNicol/Getty Images
In February 2026, Zverev told Tennis.com that he was trying to keep Maila "out of the public eye.".
«"I want her to be a normal child, to grow up and live a normal life," he explained. "I try to shield her from social media, from all this Instagram stuff.".
However, she occasionally watched her father play tennis. In March 2026, Zverev stated that his daughter watched his victory over Brandon Nakashima at the Indian Wells tournament, but sat where the fans couldn't see her.
«"It's in the stadium, but higher up," he said, according to Tennis World. "I'm not showing it to you.".
Read the original article on People.