Alexander Zverev opens up on his battle with diabetes

• German tennis player Alexander Zverev, has come out as diabetic for the first time
• The 25-year-old player recently announced the launch of Alexander Zverev Foundation
• He is currently healing from an ankle surgery

German tennis player Alexander Zverev has come out as diabetic for the first time hoping that his condition will help him raise awareness about this condition.

The 25-year-old player recently announced the launch of the Alexander Zverev Foundation as he continues healing from an ankle injury he picked at the French Open in June.

He took to Instagram on August 6 where he explained that it means a lot to him to launch a foundation that aims to help children born with type 1 diabetes and those with type 2 diabetes.

Zverev says the intent of the foundation is to sensitize people to adopt a healthy lifestyle and provide medication for diabetes. He was diagnosed when he was only four years old.

“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,” he said.

Alexander Zverev. Photo/BLVBrasil

The Olympic winner wants to use his position as a great tennis player to help others, and he deeply appreciates the opportunities he has been given. Zverev says he is living the life he always wanted to live despite battling this chronic condition.

He explains that all he wanted to do is play tennis, compete in tournaments all over the world, and eventually rise to the ranks of the sport’s elite. His parents and brother have been there for him through thick and thin and helped pave the path for him to continue playing.

Before his semi-final match against Rafael Nadal at the French Open, Zverev tore several ligaments in his ankle. The tennis player is recovering well from ankle surgery.

However, it remains unclear if or not he will return to the court soon. Zverev told Eurosport Deutschland he doesn’t have a specific time for his return yet.

Nevertheless, his drive is to win every tournament he plays in after making full recovery He admits that he remains true to himself and will only return to the court when he fully recovers.

Alexander Zverev.[Credit/dw.com]

Zverev complained that the days lasted for an extremely long time. He wakes up early and works all the way through the day just to remain in good shape. He often incorporates novel exercises into his routine and he is glad that his foot is fixed, and his range of motion improved greatly.

He feels stronger and more stable, but one step at a time. He says the brain rewires itself so that walking and running become natural again. Swimming sprints, cardio on the treadmill, and rides on the bike all make up his routine.

Zverev is not expected to participate in this year’s US Open despite having his greatest Grand Slam result in 2020 when he made it to the final.