"Million articles what Djokovic was drinking but real issues get no importance" - Fans furious at Zverev being denied on-court insulin at French Open

Novak Djokovic (L) and Alexander Zverev
Novak Djokovic (L) and Alexander Zverev (R)

Tennis fans have expressed their displeasure with French Open officials after they prohibited Alexander Zverev from taking insulin shots on the court.

Zverev was diagnosed with type-1 diabetes when he was three years old. The German has already been granted a Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE) from the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) for taking insulin during matches to maintain his blood sugar levels.

However, during his fourth-round match against Grigor Dimitrov at Roland Garros, the World No. 27 was stopped from taking insulin by the officials. They argued that it was "weird" to do it on-court.

"They said it looks weird when I do this on court. If I don't do it, my life will be in danger. But they said it looks weird. This discussion makes no sense," Zevrev said during a press conference.

During the second round, Alexander Zverev left the court to take insulin. However, he was stopped by another French Open supervisor who claimed that only a professional doctor could administer his shots.

Fans were left furious with the harsh behavior of the officials. Taking to social media, one fan lamented that the media gives no attention to real issues while they constantly discuss what Novak Djokovic "was drinking."

"That is simply awful. Shame on you @rolandgarros and where is @atptour. Where is the outrage by “media”regarding this? There were a million articles regarding what Djokovic was drinking but real issues get no importance. I hope @ptpaplayers takes this up because ATP is spineless," the fan tweeted.

Another fan questioned how a life-saving insulin for physical health looks "weird" in an era when there are exclusive apps focused on mental well-being.

"Whew… again, where is the nuance? Life-saving insulin for physical health looks weird while they are focused on apps to help with mental health," the fan wrote.

Here are a few more fan reactions:


Alexander Zverev defeats Grigor Dimitrov to advance to French Open quarter-finals

2023 French Open
2023 French Open

Despite his argument with the officials over the insulin issue, Alexander Zverev remained focused enough to prevail over Dimitrov 6-1, 6-4, 6-3. With this win, he advanced to the quarter-finals of the ongoing French Open.

Zverev will next square off against Tomas Martin Etcheverry on Wednesday, June 7. This will be their first-ever meeting on the tour.

Etcheverry comes in on the back of an impressive straight-sets win over Yoshihito Nishioko in the fourth round.

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