"Competitive athlete with diabetes? That is impossible" - Zverev opens up about his story

"Competitive athlete with diabetes? That is impossible" - Zverev opens up about his story

by Zachary Wimer

Last updated

Alexander Zverev only recently confirmed that he has been competing with diabetes throughout his tennis career, highlighting the challenging experience.

Zverev is one of the best players in the world, but he’s also a diabetic. Although a few eagle-eyed people have spotted hints over the years that gave it away, it was only recently that Zverev publicly came out with it, confirming and embracing his condition.

Zverev also announced the establishment of the Alexander Zverev Foundation to help those affected by the illness. He hopes to use this platform to shine a light on it and inspire others to achieve what he was once told would never be possible.

"I was always told that I would never make it with diabetes. Different doctors, different specialists said: 'Competitive athlete with diabetes? That is impossible.' And then at some point I thought to myself: 'I am second in the world, I am Olympic champion, I can help others with this issue!'"

While not impossible, it’s not something that happens often, but Zverev believes that it could. He’s living proof that it can be done, and the German wants to keep inspiring others to chase their dreams because it is possible.

He showed it’s possible, and helping and inspiring others is why he ultimately made his condition public after many years of keeping it a secret. At the end of the day, he's incredibly successful athlete, and who else could serve as a better example?

"I can encourage others, I can be the messenger for the topic of diabetes. And then I thought, I feel good, I am 25 years old and I want to help other children and especially other parents. I want to show them that everything is possible with diabetes. That's why I made it public."

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