Insulin Injection 'Weird'?: Zverev Angered By Roland Garros Organizers

Tuesday, 06 June 2023 at 23:35

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byZachary Wimer

Alexander Zverev was once again asked to take his insulin off the court and once again the German didn't like it.

Zverev confirmed what has been a rumour for a very long time last year and that is his battle with diabetes type 1. He finally admitted he does have the condition and does take insulin shots for it opting to start his own foundation to help people with the same condition as well.

That began his journey of speaking more about it as he shared how he became a competitive athlete despite his condition. It's been a tricky journey that started at a very early age leaving his parents quite scared about his future but he proved a fighter, just like he is on the court.

Being bullied as a kid made it tough for him but even now as an adult and professional tennis player on the ATP Tour, the condition still puts him in an awkward position. For example, he must leave the court to give himself an insulin injection.

It happened in Monte-Carlo when he was denied the chance to take it on court and he was denied the same thing against Grigor Dimitrov at the 2023 Roland Garros. He wanted to do it quickly during a changeover but he wasn't allowed needing to take a toilet break.

Those familiar with the rules know that players only have two of those during a best-of-five match at a Grand Slam tournament, and if the match goes to 4-5 sets, then Zverev is in a very tough position.

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They said I need to leave the court. During my last match, they told me then this would count as a toilet break. I replied: 'Guys, come on! I only have two toilet breaks in a match but in a best-of-five-match sometimes I have to inject four, or five times.' So I told them that it can not be like this because this would mean that something is not allowed what is necessary for my well being, for my life.

Zverev has a point and taking insulin shots for a condition that has a huge impact on his life should be not a stigma. Insulin is a banned substance according to WADA but Zverev has an exemption for it.

It's actually very inspiring for other people who are dealing with it to see one of the best players in the world go out there and compete fearlessly in spite of it. It can inspire others in the future who have diabetes to take up sports and perhaps inspire even more people. There are no drawbacks to him doing it on the court even though he was told that it looks weird. Zverev was left in disbelief.

A supervisor entered the room that did not know about this and he got panic and said, 'No, No you can't do that. A doctor needs to come to inject it.' So I told them, 'Look I have diabetes since I am three years old I know exactly what to do.' But he just replied, 'No, a doctor has to do it.

They said it looks weird when I do this on court. If I don't do it, my life will be in danger. But they said it looks weird. This discussion makes no sense.