Alexander Zverev may still be chasing his first Grand Slam title, but only a few players in tennis today embody resilience quite like the German star.
If there is one player who represents how hard work does not always immediately pay off, it is Zverev. The 28-year-old recently suffered another semifinal defeat at the Miami Open, losing to Jannik Sinner on March 28. However, it wasn't just the result that grabbed attention. A video of Zverev taking an insulin injection during a changeover has gone viral, with fans across social media calling for greater respect for the Sascha.
Zverev, currently ranked World No. 4, has endured a frustrating 2026 season marked by repeated semifinal exits. At the Miami Open, he was beaten 6-3, 7-6(4) by Sinner. Earlier, at Indian Wells, he also reached the semifinals before falling to the Italian again. At the Australian Open, Zverev made the last four but lost a five-set thriller to World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz.
He arrived in Miami as the third seed and produced a dominant display in the quarterfinals, dismantling Francisco Cerundolo in just 65 minutes, winning 84% of his first-serve points. But once again, Sinner proved to be a roadblock, later going on to win the title.
Alexander Zverev Takes Insulin in Miami: WATCH VIDEO
However, what truly created a buzz was a moment during the match that highlighted Zverev's battle beyond tennis. The German is not only competing against elite opponents but also managing Type 1 diabetes, a condition he has lived with since early childhood.
Fans quickly rallied behind him after the video surfaced with the tagline 'Reason #2 Why Zverev Deserves More Respect'. One user commented on tht video, "When life gives you tennis and diabetes, you smash both. Absolute legend in my eyes." Another added, "Absolutely inspiring. Zverev not only manages his diabetes at the highest level but also uses his platform to help kids facing the same challenge."
Zverev revealed his diagnosis publicly in 2022 after keeping it private for most of his career. He has often described managing diabetes during matches as playing "a second match" alongside his opponent.
Beyond tennis, Zverev has also taken active steps to support others living with the condition. Through the Alexander Zverev Foundation, launched in 2022, he works to provide insulin and medication to children in developing countries, promote active lifestyles among diabetic children, and fight the stigma associated with the disease, something he himself faced growing up.