Tennis Olympic champion Alexander Zverev has made a long-standing diabetes disease public. The Hamburger was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of four.
“The illness accompanied me my whole life. As a little boy, I didn’t give it much thought, later more and more. I want to show that you can make it a long way with this disease,” said Zverev on Saturday and gave it at the same time Establishment of his foundation “Alexander Zverev Foundation – Aufschlag gegen Diabetes”. He is supported by his brother Mischa and his parents.
“Until now, not many people knew that I had diabetes. I was always afraid that knowing about my disease would make my opponents feel stronger against me. Today it’s different and I don’t worry about that anymore.”
— Alexander Zverev
He wants to be a role model for people who are already ill, but also a support for the children “who can still avoid getting diabetes with an active life and the right prevention,” says Zverev.
Foundation wants to help sick children
The foundation will primarily support children suffering from diabetes (type 1). Above all, the life-saving insulin and other vital medicines are made available, especially in Third World countries.
“I am in the privileged situation of leading a life that I always wanted to lead. I always wanted to play tennis, travel to tournaments around the world and be one of the best tennis players in the world. I intend to succeed I owe everything to my parents and my brother, who have always supported me unconditionally on my way there and still do today,” said the 25-year-old, who is currently working on his comeback after suffering a severe ligament injury in rehab.
“Now, many years later and with the success behind me, I feel comfortable and confident enough to go public with this initiative.”
— Alexander Zverev
Type 1 diabetes incurable
He is aware that not all children are so lucky and “therefore it is very important to me to give something back and to help other affected people on their way”.
Diabetes is a metabolic disease, which means that the body can hardly or no longer produce any insulin. Type 1, as with Zverev, has not yet been cured, so those affected have to inject insulin for the rest of their lives.
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Hamburg Journal | 06.08.2022 | 19:30 o’clock
