Zverev and his secret weapon get comfortable on the pitch

Alexander Zverev has a new way to relax in training before a big tournament, spending time with the family's beloved dog, Lovik.

Warming up on court for the Paris Masters, the new German superstar took some time out to play with Lovik.

They're pretty cute, it must be said.

And it seems that Lovik plays a big role in the Zverev family's life.

So much so that the dog received major attention during a victory speech when Zverev won the Citi Open in Washington earlier this year.

He thanked his mother, his brother and his father but reserved a special mention for the dog, while also addressing mother.

“Thank you for taking care of him and accompanying him during my matches in the heat we experienced here,” Zverev told his mother after winning his fourth title of the 2017 season, beating Kevin Anderson in the final of the Citi Open.

“He can't attend two-hour matches, so he plays a very important role in all of our lives. You take very good care of him after taking care of me and my brother for so many years. You taught us this game from a young age, and I think it's pretty amazing. And you have a lot to do with what I'm doing on the field right now.

It seems Lovik has even become a hit on social media as he continues to make appearances around the world with the Zverevs.