Alexander Zverev did some charity work just before going to the Davis Cup Final 8 as the world No. 3 played an exhibition match against a diabetic player Patrick Zahraj.
At the start of the week, Zverev's foundation - which was launched in 2022 to help and give opportunities to diabetic children - hosted a gala night. The programme included the three-time Grand Slam finalist taking on Zahraj, one of the best players supported by his foundation.
If you can recall, Zverev went public with his type 1 diabetes diagnosis in 2022. When making the revelation, the top-ranked German male tennis player shared that he was just four when he was diagnosed with the condition.
ADVERTISEMENT
Zverev, Zahraj address living with diabetes
After getting a chance to meet one of the best players in the game in an exhibition match, Zahraj noted that diabetic tennis players regularly have to follow their insulin levels.
"It's a smaller match that we're playing on the side as type 1 diabetics. We're not just busy playing tennis, but also trying to keep our blood sugar in check as best as possible," Zahraj said after the match.
Zverev completely agreed with that statement.
"The first thing I check in the morning is my blood sugar level. The last thing I do at night is take my long-acting insulin injections. You can lead a normal life with diabetes and shouldn't hide this disease," the three-time Grand Slam finalist said.
Meanwhile, Zverev has arrived with the German team to the Davis Cup Final 8 in Bologna, where they take on Argentina on Thursday.
