In an inspiring journey of resilience and emotional strength, 22-year-old tennis player Zachary Svajda overcame personal adversity to capture the 2025 Newport Challenger title. His victory was not just a testament to his skill on the court, but also to his unshakable determination, shaped by the challenges of his father’s ongoing battle with stage 4 cancer.
A Difficult Year: Svajda’s Emotional Struggles
Svajda’s emotional journey began last year, during the 2024 Newport tournament, when the news of his father Tom’s cancer diagnosis weighed heavily on him. After returning from Wimbledon, Svajda learned that his father’s condition had worsened. Struggling to focus during matches, Svajda fought through tears and emotional turmoil.
“I was just always thinking like, ‘I know he’s watching, but should I be home with him?’ There’s a lot of thoughts,” Svajda shared with ATPTour.com. “I wasn’t totally focused and on the changeover I remember having some tears, just thinking about him, or even before the match.”
The night before his match, Svajda confided in close friend and former World No. 21 Steve Johnson, opening up about the uncertainty clouding his mind. “I was just crying to him saying, ‘What do I do? Do I just skip this tournament and go home?’ But I didn’t want to default, I don’t like defaulting,” Svajda admitted. “So I just sucked it up, played through it.”
Though Svajda lost his match to Benoit Paire in a three-set defeat, the emotional burden was immense, and after the match, he flew home to be with his father, uncertain about his next steps on the Tour.
A Year of Reflection and Victory
Fast forward to 2025, and Svajda returned to Newport with a renewed sense of purpose. This time, the tournament was an ATP Challenger event, rather than an ATP 250. However, Svajda, who was now more determined than ever, surged to the title.
“I haven’t won many matches at all. Not just because of my dad, but you know that has a lot to do with it, just off-court stuff. It felt really good just getting this title and playing for him,” Svajda said after his victory. In the final, he triumphed over veteran Adrian Mannarino, a win that left him visibly emotional. Svajda dedicated the victory to his father, sharing on Instagram, “This title is for you, Dad. Watching you fight has shown me what true strength really is.”
Tom Svajda, a teaching pro at Pacific Beach Tennis Club in San Diego, was watching his son’s championship match—on repeat. “He watches all of Zach’s matches, even if it is 2 a.m.,” Zach shared, reflecting on the unwavering support from his father, despite the physical toll cancer had taken on him.
A Family Legacy of Tennis
For Zach and his younger brother Trevor, tennis has always been more than just a sport—it has been a deep bond with their father. As a child, Zach’s first tennis experience came with his father, who helped foster his love for the game. “When I was just two years old, I would volley a balloon back and forth in the living room with Tom,” Svajda recalled fondly. The father-son relationship, centered around tennis, has shaped Svajda’s career and perseverance.
Despite the emotional and physical challenges of the past year, Svajda remains committed to continuing his tennis journey, motivated by the love and encouragement of his father.
“He wanted me to keep playing at the end of the day and that’s really what makes him happy,” Svajda said. “Just me competing and being there on court—that’s where we first started.”
Trevor Svajda Shines as Well
Not just Zach, but Trevor Svajda, Zach’s younger brother, has been making waves in the tennis world. The 19-year-old is a standout player at Southern Methodist University in Dallas and recently won back-to-back ITF World Tennis Tour titles. The brothers’ success is undoubtedly a proud moment for their father, who continues to fight through the pain and uncertainties of his illness.
The Strength of a Father’s Love
Zach’s victory in Newport marks not only a personal milestone but also serves as a poignant reminder of the strength and inspiration that family can provide in the face of adversity. Watching his father fight cancer with courage has only fueled Zach’s determination on and off the court.
“He’s fighting unbelievably hard,” Svajda shared. “I see it when I’m with him in person or when I’m on the phone, he’s always taking some medication at the right time and he’s going in for the treatments. I can’t imagine what he’s going through. And he’s also doing it all while he’s not feeling good at all. It made me think, ‘You fighting really helps me.’”
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
As Svajda continues to build his career, he will carry with him not just the experience of his victories but the invaluable lessons learned from his father’s resilience. The fight, determination, and love that have shaped Svajda’s journey will remain a driving force as he advances in the tennis world.
With a growing family legacy in tennis and a renewed focus on his professional aspirations, Svajda is poised to make even more impactful strides in his career, honoring his father’s legacy every step of the way.
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