"Far away" from ATP return, Alexander Zverev launches foundation after sharing his Type 1 diabetes journey

THE BREAK: Zverev back on practice court

Alexander Zverev says he's still "far away" from getting back on court and competing again, but is taking a big step off the court by launching his own foundation.

The 25-year-old German told RTL that he was "very happy" with his first hit since tearing three ligaments in his ankle during the semifinal of the French Open. Having spent two months recovering from the surgery required, Zverev said he was happy with his form and had not experienced any pain.

"Of course I moved very carefully and didn't place any pressure on the foot, but now we can look further," he added.

Zverev, who has said he does not want to return until he is fully competitive again, indicated it was unlikely he would play the US Open.

"Playing in a Grand Slam is still far away" he said, though he is aiming to play Davis Cup before the season finishes. "I hope I'm 100% fit."

Zverev has used his layoff to fulfill a different ambition, starting the Alexander Zverev Foundation to provide insulin and other medication to children with diabetes. Zverev also confirmed he has Type 1 diabetes, something he had previously not done even when spotted using a monitoring device during competition in 2019.

"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 in an announcement.

Zverev, who has won the ATP Finals and reached the final of the 2020 US Open, has had some subpar stretches amid domestic abuse allegations and the birth of his first child with an ex-girlfriend. But he captured the gold medal at the 2021-staged Tokyo Olympics and appeared resurgent during the European clay-court season, reaching the final in Madrid and semis in Rome before the French Open.

He will now have several more weeks of rehab and training as he attempts to return to tour. Zverev is No. 2 in the rankings.