Portugal Colonial - Tennis star Zverev launches diabetes charity

The 6ft 5in (1.98m) German said he had tried to hide his diabetes when younger and that the 'Alexander Zverev Foundation' would help young people to avoid fixing limits on themselves due to the condition.

"As a type 1 diabetic myself, I want to encourage children with diabetes to never give up on their dreams no matter what others might say to you," he said.

Zverev said he had struggled to accept his condition and had tried to hide his diabetes from the world.

"I used to hide to take injections," he admitted, adding he had lied to reporters about the issue, and hidden it from girlfriends.

Mischa Zverev the tennis star's brother will run the foundation in the city of Hamburg.

Zverev was diagnosed with diabetes aged three, and administers his insulin via an insulin pen after taking regular readings during matches.

The preventative practice is authorised by men's tennis ruling body ATP.

"I keep a meter in my kit bag, which the ATP allows," Zverev told French sports newspaper L'Equipe.

"I check it every time I have to change ends. I don't use an insulin pump, I always have my insulin pen with me and I inject myself that way," he said.

He also revealed he would likely miss the US Open in late August due to his ankle injury, picked up in an epic Roland Garros semi-final in June.

Zverev has instead set his heart on a mid-September comeback at the Davis Cup.

T.Vitorino--PC