Alexander Zverev's four-year-old daughter, Mayla, made a rare public appearance with her father at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel in Acapulco. The German tennis star defeated Corentin Moutet 6-2, 6-4 in his first-round match amid heightened security protocols due to concerns in Mexico. Zverev emphasized his commitment to keeping Mayla out of the spotlight while balancing fatherhood and his professional career.
Alexander Zverev arrived in Acapulco for the Abierto Mexicano Telcel, his third event of the 2026 season following the United Cup and a semifinal loss to Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open. On Tuesday night, he secured a straight-sets victory over Corentin Moutet, 6-2, 6-4, without facing a single break point. According to Infosys ATP Stats, Zverev achieved 79% on first serves in and first-serve points won. He fired five aces and broke Moutet twice in the first set, which lasted under 40 minutes.
Post-match, Zverev described the win as a strong start: "Corentin can be a tricky opponent, especially if you haven’t played matches in a while, like myself. So definitely happy with the performance, and looking forward to what’s ahead." This marked his 15th win at the event since it moved to hard courts in 2014, tying Rafael Nadal's record, and elevated his ATP 500 victories to 117, second only to Nadal's 121.
Off the court, attention turned to Zverev's personal life when he was seen holding hands with Mayla while entering the venue. Mayla, born in March 2021 to Zverev and former partner Brenda Patea, rarely appears publicly. Patea announced her pregnancy in October 2020, stating, “I’m 20 weeks pregnant, and I am expecting a child from Alex.” Zverev has maintained a co-parenting arrangement, saying, “Even though Brenda and I are no longer together, we have a good relationship, and I will live up to my responsibility as a father. Together we will take care of the little person that is about to grow.”
Zverev explained his approach to fatherhood: “I try to keep her away from the spotlight. I want her to be a normal child, growing up with a normal life. I try to keep her out of social media, all the Instagrammie stuff. It’s nice that she comes more and more.” He added that becoming a father has influenced his mindset: “I’m a father now, so I want to be a good example there. Becoming a father has changed me; I want to set a good example and be remembered for my tennis and the good things I do off the court."
The tournament proceeds under strict security measures amid regional concerns in Mexico. Players, including Zverev and Frances Tiafoe—who defeated Nuno Borges 6-4, 6-4—are advised not to leave hotel grounds, with altered transport routes and enhanced on-site protection. Australia's Davis Cup physiotherapist Dalibor Bendzala noted, “The tournament and ATP have been in constant contact and updating us on the current situation in Mexico. They have assured us of extra security at the airport when departing. Security on site had already been strong and, in recent days, has been stepped up."
Organizers confirmed the event continues as scheduled, in coordination with authorities. Zverev faces Miomir Kecmanovic in the round of 16.
