​Alexander Zverev was observed receiving an injection during the men’s Wimbledon final against Jannik Sinner as he chased his first title at the event. After clinching the first set 7-6, Zverev held a 3-2 lead in the second set and, at the change of ends, sat on a courtside chair and produced a medical pouch. He retrieved an insulin pen and administered a shot into his leg before continuing the match.
The French Open champion has Type 1 diabetes, diagnosed when he was four years old, and the insulin shot is intended to regulate his glucose levels both on and off the court. His condition also explains why he is permitted to use a phone during matches, despite a general ban, as he can monitor his glucose levels with a phone-based device. This arrangement allows him to keep track of his readings without constant finger-prick checks, something common for many people with diabetes.
In the lead‑up to the Wimbledon final, Zverev explained to BBC Sport that the exemption for phone use stems from a need to monitor his glucose monitor via his phone rather than performing frequent finger-stick checks. Wimbledon and Grand Slam organizers maintain lists of diabetic players who are allowed to use their phones during matches to monitor glucose levels and administer insulin as necessary.
Commentators and fellow professionals have acknowledged the challenge of balancing health with high‑level performance. On BBC’s coverage, former players discussed the pressures of a Grand Slam final alongside a chronic condition. Andre Agassi remarked that it’s not easy to manage diabetes under the stress of a major final, noting that Zverev does not seek sympathy for his condition but continues to work diligently. Andrew Castle added that it is inspirational to see him maintain such performance while managing his health.
Zverev’s on‑court routine has not always been smooth, however. He has faced issues with glucose monitoring in the past. During a June match at the Halle Open, a faulty glucose sensor left him feeling unwell when it reported erroneous readings. He disclosed that the device indicated dangerously high values while his actual glucose levels were low, leading him to inject more insulin than necessary. He recalled that for the first 45 minutes of the match against Taylor Fritz, he consumed roughly 350 grams of sugar, and he described feeling terrible as a result. He described the episode as the first time such a malfunction had occurred, explaining that he relies on the sensor to guide his treatment and that inaccurate readings can have significant consequences for his performance.
As Zverev continues his pursuit of Wimbledon glory, his ability to manage diabetes on the world’s biggest stages remains a central part of his narrative. The combination of elite tennis and meticulous health management makes his journey distinctive, and his performances have drawn admiration from fans and analysts who recognize the effort required to compete at the highest level while living with a chronic condition.