Alexander Zverev opens up about battle with diabetes and starts his own foundation

Sunday, 07 August 2022 at 07:30

Updated at Sunday, 07 August 2022 at 00:30

byZlatko Vodenicharov

Alexander Zverev finally disclosed his struggle with Type 1 diabetes, which began when he was four years old, after many years of silence.

In an effort to assist those afflicted by the sickness, the German also declared the creation of the Alexander Zverev Foundation. Alexander Zverev, who underwent surgery recently after suffering numerous ligament rips at Roland Garros, underlined how growing up with diabetes upset him. He has achieved great sports success and is now at ease talking about his battle with the condition.

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"As a little boy I didn't think about it much, later more and more. I want to show that you can make it far with this disease. Now, many years later and also with the success behind me, I feel comfortable and confident enough to go public with this initiative. I want to support children who can still avoid getting diabetes with an active life and the right prevention," Zverev said.

"I'm in the privileged situation of leading a life that I've always wanted to lead," Zverev said, adding: "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 on my way there and still do today."

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"The 6th of August 2022 is a very special day for my family and I. 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."

"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," wrote Zverev.