Alexander Zverev’s mother, Irina Zvereva, has shared a very emotional story about how hard it was to raise her son while he fought Type-1 diabetes since he was just four years old. In a new video released by Medtronic, a company that makes medical devices, Irina talked about how her family supported young Alexander through every step of his journey.Doctors once told the family that Alexander Zverev should not play tennis because the sport is too tough for someone with diabetes. But he refused to give up. He learned to check his blood sugar and take his insulin shots while training to become one of the best players in the world. Today, he is ranked World No. 3, has won Olympic gold in Tokyo 2020, and two ATP Finals titles.
Irina Zvereva says family never gave up while raising Alexander Zverev with Type-1 diabetes
Irina Zvereva said in the Medtronic video that living with Type-1 diabetes is like “balancing a balloon in the air.” She remembered how tough it was when Alexander was very small. She said they had to check his blood sugar every three hours, even at night. She and her husband took turns staying awake to make sure he was okay.She said, “We were with him day and night. One night me, one night my husband. It was very, very difficult in the beginning.” She added that the illness made her son grow up very fast because he had to learn to manage numbers and take care of himself while other kids were just playing.Irina also shared a hopeful message for all parents of children with diabetes. “It can be frightening,” she said, “but you don’t have to be afraid. With diabetes, they can achieve anything.” Medtronic has now partnered with the Alexander Zverev Foundation to help spread awareness about Type-1 diabetes around the world. The goal is to show children that they can live a normal life and follow their dreams, just like Alexander Zverev did.Earlier this year, Zverev said he wants to “empower” all children living with diabetes. He said he was once heartbroken when doctors told him he could not play tennis. But he worked hard and proved them wrong.Also Read: Andre Agassi And Steffi Graf Life After Tennis: What They Do Now In Their Private WorldAlexander Zverev said on Medtronic’s website, “I want every person with diabetes to feel they can live the life they want.” The 28-year-old will now compete in the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy, from November 9 to 16, 2025.
