Alexander Zverev: Charity event in the fight against diabetes

From the Center Court of the ATP Finals in Turin straight to the pre-Christmas Allgäu: Tennis superstar Alexander Zverev (27) invited well-known German athletes and celebrities to the Hotel Tannenhof Sport & Spa on Monday evening. At the third charity gala of his Foundation “Serve Against Diabetes”, the world-class athlete first impressed as a tennis entertainer, then as a charming host of an exclusive dinner – and collected the sum of 125,000 euros for children with diabetes.

Zverev, who has lived with type 1 diabetes since he was four, was supported at the event by his partner Sophia Thomalla (35). Prominent guests included FIFA referee Dr. Felix Brych (49), football legend Giovane Elber (52) and Paralympics champion Taliso Engel (22) among the audience. The actors were also represented: “Bergdoktor” star Mark Keller (59) appeared with his sons Aaron and Joshua, while “The Law Firm” actor Herbert Knaup (68) attended the event accompanied by his wife Christiane.

“With my story, I would like to encourage children and their parents all over the world to never give up on their dreams,” emphasized Zverev during the event. “Even with diabetes you can achieve anything because the only limit is the one you impose on yourself.” His foundation, founded in 2022, takes a holistic approach: In addition to supporting type 1 diabetes patients, there is also a particular focus on preventing type 2 diabetes by promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.

For many of the stars, the pre-Christmas season is already beginning, but Mark Keller, for example, has not yet been able to relax. He still has a few shows in the near future, but he is already looking forward to a few quiet days with his family on Lake Constance, as he said on site. The actor and musician has not yet bought any gifts. “That only happens at the very last minute, as always,” he reports with a smile. Former Bayern star Giovane Elber is of course going to his native Brazil over the holidays – and away from wintry Europe. He is not only looking forward to his family, but also to the summer there and 30 degrees. Immediately after the event, Zverev himself and Sophia went on an early Christmas vacation to the Maldives.

Of course, the charity idea of ​​the event fits perfectly into this tranquil time. Actor Herbert Knaup, for example, reports that he is particularly happy to donate around Christmas. Referee Felix Brych also sees it similarly: “Every year at Christmas I choose a special donation and then I will redeem it.”

For the 300 spectators, the tennis show in the afternoon was the first highlight of the day: Alexander Zverev and his Brazilian doubles partner Marcelo Melo (41) showed off their skills on the court, while the two of them and Mischa Zverev (37) regaled the audience with funny comments Microphone chatted. Afterwards, some brave spectators were allowed to swing the bat themselves.

Afterwards, 140 guests went to the glamorous gala dinner. Moderated by Eurosport expert Matthias Stach (61), those present not only enjoyed a delicious 4-course menu, but were also very musically entertained by Mark Keller and his son Aaron. Later, the Italian DJ Hypaton provided an atmospheric ending.

Landlord Christian Langes, who is the second generation to run the 4-star superior hotel, emphasized the “very close connection to the sport of tennis. That’s why we have been actively and sustainably supporting the Alexander Zverev Foundation since its founding.”