After Wimbledon: Zverev, Sophia Thomalla and the Dachshunds on a Yacht off Ibiza

After Wimbledon: Zverev, Sophia Thomalla and the Dachshunds on a Yacht off Ibiza

Family time on the water – a relaxed contrast to the grass

In the late afternoon the sea between Palma and Ibiza's coast sparkles in a sharp light; the town records 35 °C and the promenade hums quietly with e-scooters and Schlager music from open cafés. It was precisely this summer mood that Alexander Zverev used after the big matches of the season to trade his tennis racket for the deck of a yacht for a few days.

He was accompanied by his long-term partner Sophia Thomalla and two rather unusual crew members: the dachshunds Mishka and Buba. The two dogs are already known on social media and post from their perspective: on their account it winks that they have “Mama Sophia” and “Papa Alex” on board.

The photos, which also appeared in an Instagram story by Sophia, show the small scene without much fuss: a couple embracing on the sun deck near Ibiza’s shore, Sophia holding one of the dogs, Zverev standing behind her with his arm around her — an image that radiates more calm than any athlete clip after a point won.

The break is no coincidence for Zverev: after the Wimbledon final, which he lost to Jannik Sinner, he had announced that he would take a few days off. Just a few weeks earlier he had stood in a very different spotlight: with his victory at the 2026 French Open he celebrated his first Grand Slam triumph. Such extremes are now part of his calendar — and require balance.

The quiet time at sea therefore takes on a different meaning: it is recovery, but also the opposite of publicity. The couple, who have been together since 2021, have repeatedly shared glimpses into personal matters in recent years; Zverev spoke openly about mental strain that affected him in early 2025. That he spends time after such months with trusted people and small rituals is a clear sign of how important breaks are — not just for top athletes.

On the archipelago, such a family outing produces a small, friendly echo: fishermen on the breakwater at Sant Antoni look up, sailing boats briefly alter course, and on the waterfront of Santa Eulària a waiter passes by tables with wet towels; other visitors include athletes taking time out, as in Mats Hummels takes a break in Mallorca – tennis, tapas and harbor breeze. For the local scene this does not mean only celebrity excitement; boat operators, marina services and gastronomy feel the demand, and a visit by famous guests often brings direct daily income for craftsmen and small shops.

Another, lighter effect is the attention to animal welfare: Mishka and Buba currently have around 35,000 followers who watch, like and comment on the footage. Accounts like these make pets small ambassadors for responsible animal care, exercise and safety on boats — topics that also concern local beaches and harbors.

The mood these pictures convey is warm and uncomplicated. No big statement, rather a snapshot: sunscreen next to a rope, barefoot prints on the teak, the quiet snoring of a dog in the shade — these are the ordinary little things that show what balance can look like.

For Mallorca and the neighboring islands this is more than gossip: it is a reminder that the islands are not only backdrops for headlines, but places where people can really unwind, as in Beckhams on Board: A Quiet Family Break off Mallorca. Visitors soon notice that a walk along Playa de Palma or an espresso on the Passeig is often enough to sort one’s thoughts.

The couple has expressed a desire for a large family in the past; such private future plans remain alive during this quiet short break, similar to stories about other former tennis players on the island, see Ana Ivanović on Mallorca: Between Beach, Tennis and Everyday Family Chaos. On Palma’s promenade you can hear the clack of boules, the murmur of a market seller and occasionally the distant horn of a tour boat — sounds that show: life on the islands goes on, regardless of photos shared today.

What remains as an impression? An athlete who deliberately pauses after intense trials, a partner who accompanies this step, and two dogs who tell the story from their perspective. It is a small, human scene between sea and engine — and a reminder that breaks are as important as victories.

For the island economy this is good news: guests, famous or not, fill marinas, order at the harbor bistro and sometimes reserve an extra table. For everyone who lives and works on Mallorca, this means: keep your eyes open, stay friendly and value the sea as a resource, not just a backdrop for photos.

Those who take inspiration from the image may bring something ashore themselves: the desire for moments to enjoy the sun, the surf and the company of those who matter. And that, frankly, is exactly what this short stop on the water conveys.