Alexander Zverev made it public that he has suffered from diabetes since he was four years old. The German tennis player, currently out due to torn ligaments in his right ankle that occurred in the Roland Garros semifinal against Rafa Nadal, announced the creation of a Foundation to fight the disease.
“When I was little I didn’t think much about it, then more and more. I want to show that you can go very far with this disease. Now, many years later and also with the successes behind me, I feel comfortable and confident enough to make this initiative public,” said the current ATP number 2.
With 19 titles under his belt, the German pretend to be an example for other people who suffer from this disease. In addition, he pays special attention to children: “I want to send a message that they can still avoid contracting diabetes with an active life and proper prevention,” explains Zverev, who suffers from type 1 diabetes, in statements collected by the news agency DPA.
“I think I am privileged because I always wanted to play tennis, travel the world and I got it. I owe everything to my parents and my brother, who have always supported me unconditionally on my path and continue to do so today. It is very important for me to give something back and help other sufferers on their way.” he added. His foundation will finance projects for children and young people affectedwho will also provide insulin and medications to deal with diabetes.
The racket world is no stranger to diabetes. Arthur Ashewinner of Wimbledon, the US Open and the Australian Open, also suffered from type 2 diabetes. William Talbertstuntman, or Ham Richardson they were also diabetics. A Billie Jean Kingwinner of 39 Grand Slam titles, including singles, doubles and mixed, was diagnosed with this disease in 2007 more than 20 years after her retirement.
What is type 1 diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that originates because the pancreas does not synthesize the amount of insulin that the human body needs, produces it of a lower quality or is not able to use it effectively. Type 1 diabetes usually appears in children, although it can also start in adolescents and adults.. It usually appears abruptly and many times regardless of whether there is a family history. Insulin is the only treatment for type 1 diabetes.
