Alexander Zverev has revealed that he has suffered from diabetes since childhood after launching a foundation in his name to help children affected by the condition.
Zverev, the world No 2, said the initiative would offer support to children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, which requires lifelong treatment with insulin to control high blood sugar levels. The foundation will also provide medication to children in poor countries and promote sensible lifestyle choices as part of a drive to prevent type 2 diabetes, said the German.
“Today, the Alexander Zverev Foundation has officially come to life, supporting children with type 1 diabetes and helping people prevent type 2 diabetes by living a healthy and active life,” Zverev wrote on Instagram.
“Our mission is to provide insulin and life-saving medicine to children in developing countries and those in need. And as a type 1 diabetic myself, I want to encourage children with diabetes to never give up on their dreams no matter what others might say to you.
“The only limit is the one you set yourself.”
The 25-year-old will be supported in the endeavour by his brother Mischa, who has been appointed to the board of the Hamburg-based foundation according to reports in the German press.
From daily insulin shots to a highly vigilant approach to diet and training, type 1 diabetes poses obvious challenges to a career in professional sport. Yet Zverev, who was diagnosed with the disease at the age of four, has never known any other way of life. Now he hopes to serve as a role model for others affected by the condition.
“I didn’t really think about it as a little boy,” said Zverev. “But later, more and more. I want to show that you can make it a long way with this disease.
“I’m in the privileged position of living the life I’ve always wanted to live. I always wanted to play tennis, travel to tournaments around the world and be one of the best tennis players in the world. I owe everything to my parents and my brother, who have always supported me unconditionally.
“I’m very aware that not all children are so lucky, and that’s why it is It is very important to me to give something back and to help other affected people on their way.”
“It is very important for me to give something back and to help those affected in their journey. I want to show that you can go very far and that there are no limits. I want to be a role model for people who are already sick and for children who can still avoid the disease with the right prevention.”
Zverev is no stranger to adversity. As the subject of an ATP investigation into allegations of domestic abuse that he has consistently denied – and after the aggressive outburst in Acapulco earlier this year that saw him fined and handed a suspended eight-week ban – there will inevitably be scrutiny of his motives. Yet the courage required to open up about the issue suggests this is more than just a PR offensive. Jay Cutler, the retired NFL quarterback who also suffers from type 1 diabetes, has spoken of the difficulties of admitting to any kind of physical infirmity in the cutthroat world of elite sport.
“In our profession, you’re supposed to be tough and just deal with things and injuries,” said Cutler. “You kind of just get through it.”
Zverev admitted that he too had previously harboured misgivings about revealing his condition. But the Olympic champion and former US Open finalist said the success he has enjoyed on court has emboldened him to speak out.
“Until now, not many people knew that I had diabetes,” said Zverev, who has not played since tearing the lateral ligaments in his right ankle two months ago at the French Open.
“I was always afraid that my opponents would feel stronger against me if they knew about my illness.
“Today it’s different and I’m not worried about it any more. Now, many years later and also with the success behind me, I feel comfortable and confident enough to go public with this initiative.”