Alexander Zverev Wins French Open 2026: How He Overcame Diabetes Diagnosis

Alexander Zverev's medical condition was a slight issue at the French Open 2026, when he paused to check his blood sugar levels. But he overcame the diagnosis to win the French Open, his first Grand Slam title.

The German tennis pro is ranked third in the world. He benefited by Jannik Sinner's early round defeat and Carlos Alcaraz being absent from the tournament with a wrist injury. But Zverev pushed back a tough battle from Italian Flavio Cobolli to win the French Open in five sets. Zverev defeated Cobolli 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7, 6-1. "If anyone asks me who deserves this title, I would say you," Cobolli told Zverev.

What is Zverev's medical condition? Type 1 diabetes. When was Zverev diagnosed with Diabetes? At age 4. He has turned the condition into a cause, creating a foundation to help children throughout the world.

Alexander Zverev Has Worked to Elevate Public Understanding of Diabetes

Zverev banded with Medtronic to raise awareness of Type 1 diabetes. "Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just four years old, Zverev spent years hiding his condition, fearing judgment. But now, he’s turning his story into a source of strength and inspiration," Medtronic explained.

Germany's Alexander Zverev.

(Photo by Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu via Getty Images)

“Becoming a professional tennis player was always my dream,” Zverev shared in an article posted by Medtronic. “Early on, I was told that competing at the highest level with diabetes was impossible — but my family and I refused to accept that. That’s why I’m partnering with Medtronic Diabetes: I want every person with diabetes to feel empowered to live the life they want.”

According to Medtronic, "In 2022, Zverev teamed up with his brother Mischa and parents, Irina and Alexander Zverev Sr., to launch the Alexander Zverev Foundation, which supports children with type 1 diabetes around the world." Zverev's brother and parents have also played professional tennis.

Alexander Zverev's Foundation Helps Children Get Life-Saving Insulin

The foundation says on its website, "Olympic champion and two-time ATP world champion Alexander Zverev launched the Alexander Zverev Foundation in 2022, based in his hometown of Hamburg. He is supported by his brother Mischa and his parents Irina and Alexandr Zverev. The foundation is mainly committed to children with type 1 diabetes. Among other things, the life-saving insulin and other essential drugs are provided – also in developing countries."

Since its inception, the foundation "has reached more than 1,150 children and young people and, together with partners, companies and private individuals, has collected more than €1,000,000 in donations," its website says. "This will finance projects that promote personality development, athletic skills and a healthy and active lifestyle in affected children. Similarly operating foundations also receive targeted support from the AZ Foundation."

“I am in the privileged situation of living a life that I have always dreamed of. I wanted to play tennis, travel to tournaments around the globe and be among the best tennis players in the world," explained Zverev. "The fact that I have succeeded in this, I owe above all to my parents and my brother, who have always supported me unconditionally on my way there and still do so today. I am very aware that not all children are so lucky and therefore it is my great concern to give something back and to help other people affected on their way.”

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source https://www.mensjournal.com/news/alexander-zverev-diabetes-wins-french-open-2026-medical-condition