08/06/2026
Did you know? 🤯
🎾Alexander Zverev is one of the very few elite professional tennis players competing with Type 1 diabetes, a condition he has lived with since he was about 3–4 years old. In Type 1 diabetes, the body's immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, meaning insulin must be taken for life.
💪Zverev regularly monitors his blood sugar and may inject insulin during changeovers if needed. According to him, this is a normal part of managing his condition while competing.
😱The French Open controversy
At the 2023 French Open, Zverev revealed that officials initially told him he could not inject insulin on court and would need to leave the court or use a toilet break. He argued that this was unsafe because he may need insulin multiple times during a five-set match. He said:
"If I don't do it, my life will be in danger."
🗯️The decision sparked criticism from diabetes organizations worldwide. After the backlash, Roland Garros reversed its position and allowed him to administer insulin on court as needed.
🤐He kept his diabetes secret for years
For much of his career, Zverev did not publicly discuss his condition because he feared being judged or told he could not compete at the highest level. In 2022, he finally revealed his diagnosis and launched the Alexander Zverev Foundation to help children with Type 1 diabetes gain access to insulin and treatment.
🏆His success is particularly remarkable because he has won:
An Olympic gold medal
Multiple ATP Masters 1000 titles
Two ATP Finals championships
Reached several Grand Slam finals
—all while managing Type 1 diabetes every day.
💪Many diabetes advocacy groups now point to Zverev as proof that Type 1 diabetes does not have to prevent someone from competing at the highest level of sport.