Sport
Tennis
Location
Germany
Diagnosed at Age
3
Key Achievements
- 2026 French Open Champion — first Grand Slam title, first German man to win a Grand Slam since Boris Becker in 1996
- Olympic Gold Medalist (Tokyo 2020 men's singles)
- Former ATP World No. 2 and winner of 21 ATP titles by age 26
- Founder of the Alexander Zverev Foundation supporting children with diabetes
Follow Alexander
Alexander Zverev
Alexander "Sascha" Zverev was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 3, but kept his condition private for most of his early career. In 2022 he publicly revealed his T1D and launched a foundation to support diabetic children. Zverev competes at the pinnacle of tennis – he won Olympic gold in 2021 and has reached the world No. 2 ranking – while using an insulin pump off court and taking injections during matches (with official clearance).
In June 2026, Zverev reached the pinnacle of his sport, defeating Italy's Flavio Cobolli in five sets to claim his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros. The victory made him the first German man to win a Grand Slam singles title since Boris Becker in 1996. Managing his insulin pump and blood glucose levels throughout the fortnight in Paris, Zverev proved once again that Type 1 diabetes is no barrier to reaching the very top of professional tennis.
He hopes his openness will inspire others with T1D to pursue their goals without limits. His achievements include the 2026 French Open title, the Olympic Gold Medal in men's singles at Tokyo 2020, reaching world No. 2, and founding the Alexander Zverev Foundation to support children with diabetes.
"The only limit is the one you set for yourself."
Management
Diabetes Management Approach
Zverev manages his diabetes by using an insulin pump off court and taking injections during matches. He worked with tennis authorities to get official clearance for his diabetes management tools during competition.
After keeping his condition private for most of his early career, Zverev decided to publicly reveal his T1D in 2022 and launch a foundation to support diabetic children. His experience demonstrates that even those diagnosed at a very young age can reach the highest levels of their sport with proper management.
Advice
Advice for Fellow Diabetic Athletes
Don't let diabetes define you or limit your ambitions. With proper management and determination, you can reach the highest levels of your sport, regardless of how young you were when diagnosed.