Since the beginning of the 2024 tennis season, Alexander Zverev has created a narrative of triumphs and accomplishments that underscore his enduring prowess. But did you know that getting into tennis was not easy for him? As he manages his health with his game, the story behind him carrying insulin to matches captures the world’s attention.

Beyond the exhilarating rallies and match points lies a lesser-known side of Alexander Zverev’s tennis journey. Growing up with parents who were avid tennis players, he has always had a natural talent for the game. However, as he plays, he also has to fight against a serious disadvantage.

Zverev fights more than just his opponents during matches

The former World No.2 is not a new face in the tennis world. The 26-year-old German tennis player has type 1 diabetes. He has been challenging this chronic condition since he was three and has bravely shrugged off every challenge that came his way of becoming a professional tennis player.

The World No.6 opened up about his diabetes diagnosis in 2022, setting up the Alexander Zverev Foundation to help the people affected by this condition. But just like diabetes didn’t stop him from chasing his dream of playing tennis professionally, his foundation aims to do just that for the younger generation. In an interview with Australia’s Channel Nine last year, the 26-year-old said, “The goal of my foundation [is] to send a message out there that you can have a normal life. You can become anything you want with this kind of illness.”

Since being diagnosed with diabetes, he has been using insulin to regulate his blood sugar levels from time to time. Even today, he injects insulin during matches because of his diabetic condition and to maintain proper health as a player. However, until 2022, he made it a habit to leave the court to take his insulin shots during matches. Explaining how there’s no reason for anyone to be “embarrassed” by the condition, the German started becoming a lot more open about his insulin intake. But that led to a controversy during the 2023 French Open.

In five-set matches, players get only two toilet breaks. Whenever Zverev used to go inside to take his shot, it counted as a break, which is part of the Roland Garros controversy. During one of his matches, the 26-year-old was going to take an insulin shot on the court, but the officials said it looked “weird.” Considering it was necessary for Zverev’s well-being, the diabetes community didn’t take too well to the situation. Following the backlash Roland Garros received, the officials allowed the German to inject on the court in subsequent matches.

In addition, he came under fire in 2019 when officials examined him for a gadget in his bag during a game, raising the possibility of breaching game regulations prohibiting using a phone or other electronic device. Later, though, it was discovered that the gadget was a glucose monitor. Because of his condition, the German is exempt from WADA’s usual blood sugar regulations when using insulin, thanks to a specific dispensation granted by the International Tennis Integrity Agency. But did you know Zverev may have never become a tennis player because of diabetes?

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The tennis journey of Alexander Zverev: From rejection to triumph 

Last year, in his interview with Channel Nine, Zverev opened up about his feelings when he was first diagnosed. He detailed how his parents were quite worried for him when doctors said that their “kid is very limited.” But he knew what he wanted to do and made his conditions very clear: he wanted to play tennis, and nothing could stop him.

He explained, “Some of them said, ‘No, you have to stop. There is no way you can be a professional athlete with this kind of illness. There is no way you can play such a hard, physical sport.’” He further detailed how, even though his own health made him upset, he never limited himself as a kid. Eventually, all this has led to him winning matches, titles, and hearts on the court.

What are your thoughts on Alexander Zverev’s diabetic history? Isn’t his story inspiring? Do share your views in the comment section below.

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