When Alexander Zverev lifted the 2026 French Open trophy in Paris on June 7, two of the proudest people in the crowd were his parents, Irina and Alexander Zverev Sr. Tennis has shaped their family’s life for decades. Long before their younger son became a Grand Slam champion, both parents were professional players themselves. They later became coaches and helped guide not only Alexander but also his older brother, former tennis professional Mischa Zverev, through the sport from an early age.
How Irina Zverev and Alexander Zverev Sr. Built Their Tennis Journey
Irina and Alexander Sr. grew up in Sochi, Russia, and played tennis for the Soviet Union. According to The Telegraph, they married when Irina was 17 and Alexander Sr. was 24. After spending time in Moscow and competing in tournaments, they moved to Germany in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The family relocated to Hamburg after both were offered coaching jobs at the Uhlenhorster Hockey Club. Their son Mischa was four years old at the time. Years later, they became German citizens, according to The Economist.
Tennis remained at the center of their lives. Irina was ranked fourth in the Soviet Union and became known for her one-handed backhand. Alexander Sr. reached a career-high world ranking of No. 175 in 1985 and represented the Soviet Union in the Davis Cup. He also played in the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the French Open.
How Alexander Zverev’s Parents Raised Two Professional Tennis Players
The couple welcomed Mischa Zverev in 1987 and Alexander Zverev in Hamburg in 1997. Both brothers picked up tennis at a young age and eventually turned professional. Mischa enjoyed a successful career and reached a world ranking of No. 25 before retiring in 2023. He was also present in Paris when his younger brother won the French Open.
Speaking to ITF Tennis in 2013, Alexander explained how much having an older brother helped him. “There’s no rivalry, except when we play each other but that doesn’t happen very often. It helps me a lot, because he’s been through it, he’s been through all the steps, and now he’s a professional.”
How Irina Zverev and Alexander Zverev Sr. Helped Shape Alexander’s Game
Both parents coached their sons while they were growing up. Irina spent more time working with Alexander, while Alexander Sr. focused mainly on Mischa. Alexander has often spoken about the role his mother played in developing his game. In an interview with The Telegraph, he said: “My father is my coach, but when I was younger my mother was guiding me more. I think I have pretty good technique, which my mum did at a young age, so credit to her for that. My backhand, in particular, is 100 percent down to my mum.”
He has also said that his mother taught him the backhand she became known for during her own playing career, while his father brought a more demanding coaching style to the court.
