Alexander Zverev uses his diabetes as motivation

Two superstar celebrities are set to feature in the stands as the Australian Open final nears, while one of the tournament favourites’ battles through a chronic disease.

Germany's Alexander Zverev celebrates after victory against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz during their men's singles quarter-final match (Picture Paul Crock / AFP) / -

German star Alexander Zverev is fighting more than his opponents as he reaches into his bag of tricks at the Australian Open.

The black bag he delves into between changes carries his blood sugar monitor and his insulin shots.

Zverev has had type one diabetes since childhood and needs insulin to keep him in the game. This was particularly evident during the the quarterfinal against world number two Carlos Alcaraz.

The number six seed was struggling against the Spanish prodigy after taking the first two sets but took charge again after losing the third set.

The chronic disease affects millions of Australians and Zverev has become inspiration to sufferers through his Alexander Zverev Foundation.

Without insulin injections, the German champion could fall into a diabetic coma and sometimes needs multiple doses during a match.

Doctors told him he could never play at the elite level because of his condition but the disease has now become a motivation.

GOATS in the house

NFL star Tom Brady jets in by private plane on Saturday as another GOAT, the Body Elle McPherson heads out.

The American football star is instantly recognisable to Australian sports fans while McPherson, 59, was front and centre all week in Melbourne, parading a number of local designers including Lana Wilkinson shoes, as the keynote speaker for the eighth annual AO Inspirational Series, following in the well-heeled footsteps of Vogue editor Anna Wintour and former prime minister Julia Gillard.

Ever by Elle’s side was boyfriend Doyle Bramhall, 54. They first stepped out together in 2022.

Elle McPherson in the front row. With Jackie O behind her . Picture: Michael Klein

The US guitarist, producer and songwriter has serious clout, working with Eric Clapton and Roger Waters and dated Bridget Jones star Renée Zellweger before they split in 2019.

Enjoying a spiritual connection, the pair closed their eyes to welcome the 10th anniversary of McPherson’s Melbourne-created WelleCo brand on Wednesday at W Hotel.

A sound bath amid vibrations from a native American flute had suits in the room, including WelleCo CEO Leighton Richards, business partner Michael Gama Pinto, gun lawyer George Haros and media exec Dylan Howard getting their zen on.

Namaste