James Blake and Brandon Nakashima Shine at San Diego Fundraiser to Support Coach Tom Svajda

Zach Svajda and Tennis Community Rally Together to Support Father’s Battle with Stage 4 Cancer

For professional tennis players, the support of family is invaluable as they travel the world chasing their dreams. However, for 21-year-old American Zach Svajda, family has taken on a deeper meaning this year, as his father, Tom Svajda, faces a battle with stage 4 colon cancer. This life-changing diagnosis has shifted Zach’s focus from his tennis career to supporting his father, a renowned tennis coach in the San Diego area.

Tom Svajda, who had been a fixture at the Pacific Beach Tennis Club for over 20 years, was diagnosed with the disease after Wimbledon this summer. His diagnosis has left him too weak to teach, but he remains deeply passionate about tennis. According to Zach, even through his treatment, Tom continues to follow the sport closely, frequently asking his son about how things are going on court.

The Svajda family, including Zach’s younger brother Trevor Svajda—who plays No. 1 singles for Southern Methodist University—and their mother Anita, have all been by Tom’s side, supporting him through this incredibly challenging time. Zach Svajda, who achieved a career-high ATP ranking of No. 102 in August, described the experience of caring for his father as both difficult and meaningful, saying, “Supporting him through this has been one of the most difficult yet meaningful experiences of my life.”

The tight-knit tennis community quickly rallied around the Svajda family to offer support. To help with the mounting medical expenses, a GoFundMe was created, raising nearly $93,000 of its $150,000 goal. The fundraising efforts were further boosted by a special exhibition match held at the Rancho Santa Fe Tennis Club in San Diego, where tennis stars James Blake and Brandon Nakashima came together to support the cause.

Brandon Nakashima, who has known the Svajda family for over a decade, shared his motivation for participating in the event. “Tom has been so committed to helping his kids pursue their passion,” Nakashima said. “Zachary and I have a great friendship. We train together, motivate each other, and push each other through the challenges of the tour.” Nakashima also emphasized how fulfilling it was for him to give back to the Svajda family during this challenging time.

For James Blake, the fundraising event hit close to home. Blake, a former world No. 4, lost his own father to gastric cancer in 2004. Understanding the emotional and financial strain a family can face during such a time, Blake felt compelled to contribute to the Svajdas’ efforts. “When a part of the tennis family is hurting, the whole community is hurting,” Blake said. “We feel for Tom so much and want to do what we can to help the family and raise some money.”

The event, featuring Zach and Trevor Svajda competing in a doubles match against Blake and Nakashima, was a testament to the unity and support within the tennis community. Zach expressed his gratitude, noting that the event and contributions have been deeply meaningful for his family.

The Svajda family’s journey is far from easy, but with the support of the global tennis community, they are finding strength and hope during this incredibly difficult time. The outpouring of support, both financially and emotionally, has provided much-needed relief, helping the Svajda family focus on what matters most—Tom’s fight against cancer. As the tennis world rallies behind them, it’s clear that the power of community can make a difference in the most challenging of circumstances.