Alexander Zverev paid a tribute to his mother after winning the US Open as he recalled being told that diabetes could restrict his life and sporting ambitions.
The German defeated home favourite Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 following a three-and-a-half-hour battle at Arthur Ashe Stadium, securing the £4million prize and his second Grand Slam title.
But Zverev used his victory speech to look back on the childhood diagnosis which threatened to derail his dream before his tennis journey had begun.
The world No 2 revealed that doctors had warned his mother that her four-year-old son’s opportunities could be limited by the condition. She refused to accept that verdict.
“When your four-year-old son gets diagnosed with diabetes and doctors say life and sports will be very, very limited for that child, it takes a very, very strong mother to walk out of those offices and say, ‘My son will be whatever he wants to be’,” Zverev said.
“‘If he wants to be a tennis player, he will be a tennis player. This illness will not define us.’
“I’m happy that we worked through it and we’re doing the things we’re doing right now.
“My mother is the most important and strongest person I know because it takes an unbelievably strong woman to do what she did, so thanks to her as well.”
Alexander Zverev paid a tribute to his mother after winning the US Open as he recalled being told that diabetes could restrict his life and sporting ambitions
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REUTERS
Zverev’s triumph continued a remarkable transformation after he entered 2026 without a major title.
He broke that duck by beating Flavio Cobolli in June’s French Open final before losing to Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon showpiece.
“We went 30 years without winning a Grand Slam title and now we won two in the span of three months,” he said while thanking his team.
“I think God has seen how hard we worked, how much we suffered, how much pain we went through. I think 2026 is the outcome of all the years that happened before.”
Alexander Zverev broke down in tears after winning the French Open earlier this year | REUTERS
Zverev also apologised to the overwhelmingly pro-Shelton crowd, joking that tournament director Eric Butorac had been left with the “wrong winner”.
He then showed his respect for Shelton by visiting the American’s box and congratulating his team individually.
“This was your first Grand Slam final but I already told you, you’re going to be back here many, many more times,” Zverev told his opponent.
“If I had to bet all my money on it, I would bet that you will lift this trophy one day.”
Ben Shelton was consoled by Alexander Zverev at the net following his defeat in Sunday’s US Open final | REUTERS
Shelton responded by describing Zverev as potentially the best player in the world this year and praising his dedication.
“You work harder than anyone I know,” Shelton said.
“You and your team do things the right way and I’m sincerely happy for you guys to hold this title.”
The victory strengthened Zverev’s grip on second place in the ATP rankings and reduced the gap to injured world No 1 Sinner.
