Alexander Zverev claimed more than just a win at the Mutua Madrid Open on Sunday. The German met up with Toni Kroos in the Caja Magica, one of his greatest friends from the world of sport.

The ex-player turned up on Sunday to enjoy the encounter between his countryman and Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the Manolo Santana Stadium, where he is vying to lift his third trophy after victories there in 2018 and 2021. One of the best-known players in the Spanish capital, Kroos was welcomed with great affection by fans at Madrid’s Masters 1000, who are used to seeing the biggest football stars in the stands.

The German followed Zverev’s match from the player’s box, where he appeared to be engrossed in one of the most interesting clashes of the day just a few metres from the clay. Sitting alongside the current world number two’s coaching staff, Kroos cheered on his compatriot from start to finish during the almost three hours required to complete his comeback and seal his ticket to the last-sixteen.

One of the most special moments of his visit came at the end of the match. Kroos greeted Zverev in the tunnel to the locker rooms, where he congratulated him on the win before they exchanged gifts. Alexander thanked him for coming by signing a couple of the rackets he used in the match for him, and Kroos responded by giving his friend a Real Madrid shirt on which he had written: “To my friend Sasha. Best of luck. Your fan, Toni”.

Kroos became one of the most influential footballers in the recent history of Real Madrid, representing The Whites for 10 successful seasons. The German midfielder made decisive contributions to some of the club’s biggest achievements, including five UEFA Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles. Toni is one of the biggest names in European football and was a key member of Germany’s world-cup winning team in 2014.