Alexander Zverev administered insulin during a changeover in his Miami Open semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner. The moment, captured in a fan video, highlighted his lifelong management of Type 1 diabetes. Fans praised his resilience amid the physically demanding match.
Alexander Zverev fell to Jannik Sinner in the semifinals of the Miami Open on March 29. During a changeover, Zverev injected insulin to regulate his blood sugar levels, a necessity due to his Type 1 diabetes diagnosed at age four. A fan shared video of the moment on social media, garnering support with comments like 'Reason #2 Why Zverev Deserves More Respect' from user Pavvy G. Zverev has described managing his condition on court as 'two games happening at the same time,' requiring constant monitoring before, during and after matches to avoid fluctuations that could cause dizziness or fatigue. He publicly disclosed his diagnosis in 2022 after keeping it private for much of his career. Zverev recalled early advice that professional tennis with diabetes was impossible, but he persisted, reaching world No. 2, winning Olympic gold and two ATP Finals titles. Through his Alexander Zverev Foundation, launched that year, he aids children with diabetes via insulin provision, active lifestyle promotion and stigma reduction. He has also hosted charity exhibitions, including one against diabetic player Patrick Zahraj before the Davis Cup Final 8. In 2023 at the French Open, officials initially barred on-court injections, counting off-court visits as toilet breaks. Zverev told Eurosport Germany, 'On the ATP Tour, I do it on the court, here they don’t allow me to do it.' After backlash from the diabetes community, rules were reversed to permit on-court use.
