Alexander Zverev’s Medical Insulin Injection During Wimbledon Final Highlights Diabetes Management Challenges on Court

Alexander Zverev received medical treatment during the 2024 Wimbledon men’s final against Jannik Sinner, using an insulin injection to manage his Type 1 diabetes while competing for his first Grand Slam title. After winning the opening set 7-6, Zverev sought medical assistance at 3-2 in the second set, retrieving an insulin pen to administer a dose before continuing play.

The French Open champion, diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age four, requires ongoing glucose monitoring and insulin management. Tennis regulations grant him and other players with diabetes medical exemptions to use smartphones during matches, allowing real-time tracking of blood sugar levels instead of traditional finger-prick tests.

In a pre-final interview with BBC Sport, Zverev explained the exemption: “That’s why the umpires allow me to check my phone, so I don’t have to poke my finger every changeover.” Grand Slam tournaments maintain a registry of players with diabetes to accommodate their medical needs during competition.

Commentators Andre Agassi and Andrew Castle praised Zverev’s resilience during the final. Agassi remarked, “He doesn’t claim victim when it comes to his diabetes. It’s not a subject he cares to discuss a whole lot but at the same time he holds his head up high and goes about his work daily,” while Castle called his ability to balance health and performance “inspirational.”

Zverev has faced challenges with diabetes management during matches before. A malfunctioning glucose sensor during a June Halle Open match against Taylor Fritz led to an incorrect insulin dose, causing him to consume 350 grams of sugar and feel unwell. “This is the first time something like this has happened to me,” he said afterward, noting his reliance on sensors since 2016-2017.

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