Alexander Zverev was not at a loss for an answer. And the Olympic champion had one thing in particular to say to the 40 kids on Sunday afternoon, who had been busy practising at a training session organised by his foundation in HalleWestphalia under the motto "Serving against diabetes": "Diabetes is not an obstacle to achieving big goals in life. And to fulfil your dreams." The 27-year-old tennis world star spent almost three quarters of an hour on the sidelines of the 31st TERRA WORTMANN OPEN giving very personal and very emotional insights into his tennis life and his illness, about which he also said: "It was never a huge problem for me. It even helped me to steer my career in the right direction."
Zverev's foundation ("It's a matter close to my heart") and the TERRA WORTMANN OPEN have been cooperating even more closely since this year, with the foundation also having a stand at the ATP 500 grass court classic to solicit donations from fans. All the Zverevs are involved in the foundation: Father Alexander Senior, mother Irina. And brother Mischa, who is also Chairman of the Board: "We have set out to show children and parents that anything is possible despite this illness. That with passion and ambition, you have no limits - in sport, in life, in your career." The tennis training, during which mum and brother Zverev were also on the courts at SPORTPARK HALLE, was co-organised by "Diabetes-Kids", with founder Michael Bertsch himself on site. Also coaching the children's training programme were the foundation's board members Klaus Eberhardt and Thomas Kopp as well as Felix Werkis and Zoran Leontikj from the Haller Breakpoint-Base.
Tournament Director Ralf Weber was delighted with Alexander Zverev's commitment and the cooperation with the TERRA WORTMANN OPEN: "The tournament has a long tradition of partnerships with charitable and medical organisations. We are delighted to support the foundation to the best of our ability." Alexander Zverev, for his part, thanked the tournament organiser "that we were able to be here with the foundation and give the children this experience." The foundation recently organised similar events in Hamburg, Munich and Madrid.
A team from the TV channel RTL was also in Halle-Westphalia to document the foundation's activities and capture impressions. The RTL foundation "Wir helfen Kindern" also supports the "Alexander Zverev Foundation" as a cooperation partner, and editor Anne Hacker and her team conducted interviews with kids and those responsible, including 12-year-old Mira, who had travelled from Stuttgart with her parents especially for the training session at the TERRA WORTMANN OPEN.
The kids' thirst for knowledge at the meeting was immense, with questions relating to Alexander Zverev's diabetes, which was diagnosed at the age of four. But also his most recent sporting performances, above all his final appearance at the French Open. Zverev's answers were often surprising. The 27-year-old confessed that he "doesn't disdain sweets at all": "I even eat more sweets than everyone else, preferably donuts and small cakes."
He advised parents and children from his own experience: "Diabetic children have to grow up faster. You have to make sure you maintain order and structure." He also believes it was a mistake not to have spoken about his illness earlier, if only because "most people in the tennis scene knew about it." When asked about his remaining goals in tennis, Zverev said: "I've actually won everything there is - apart from a Grand Slam title. I've been world champion twice. I've been Olympic champion, won all possible ATP tournaments. The only thing missing is a Major win." Then he added with a smile: "I don't want to end up as one of the most successful tennis players who has never won a Grand Slam."
