With the help of some special San Diego tennis friends, Zach and Trevor Svajda will take to the courts this Saturday, December 7th, in what will be an emotional day of tennis to raise funds for their father Tom Svajda, a longtime San Diego teaching pro who is battling Stage 4 colon cancer.

The fundraising event begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Rancho Santa Fe Tennis Club and is hosted by RSFTC GM John Chanfreau and Lomas Santa Fe Country Club Director of Tennis Woody Yocum. It will feature the Svajda brothers taking on former ATP world No. 4 James Blake and rising American star Brandon Nakashima, who grew up playing with Zach on the San Diego courts, in an exhibition doubles match.

To attend Saturday’s fundraiser, sign up here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tom-svajda-tennis-exhibition-fundraiser-tickets-1091335577089

For those unable to attend the event, you may donate to the GoFundMe page here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-tom-svajdas-battle-with-cancer

Cris Nakashima said the idea for the fundraiser came about a month ago when her son Brandon expressed concern about Tom’s condition and wanted to do something to help. All proceeds from this event will assist the Svajda’s significant medical expenses.

Zach, 22, said he learned of his father’s cancer diagnosis after returning home from Wimbledon in mid-July and that understandably he hasn’t been able to fully concentrate on his pro tennis career since then.

“At times it’s been tough, especially at the beginning,” said Zach, who is currently ranked No. 166 in the world. “When I found out I almost didn’t even recognize him. He had lost a lot of weight and that’s when they told me he had Stage 4 cancer and a thyroid problem. It was tough and heartbreaking for sure.”

Zach said he thought deeply about ending his season right then and focusing on his father’s health. “But I know deep down, of course, he cares a lot about my tennis because he was the one who started me playing and that’s all he thinks about a lot of the time,” he said. “So, I decided to just play for him, but it’s been definitely tough.”

Currently a sophomore No. 1 player at Southern Methodist University, the 18-year-old Trevor said he is thankful to the tennis community for coming together at such a challenging time for his family. 

“To be able to play tennis and a fun doubles exhibition with my brother Zach will be a special moment for our family,” Trevor said. “My father is my rock and has been my best friend and coach since I could pick up a racket. He is battling and undergoing extensive medical treatment, and we hope this will bring him joy as well as additional resources to fight this cancer.”

Just two years ago, Zach Svajda accepted an invitation from Nakashima to play in a similar fundraising event alongside Blake and ATP Top 50 player Marcos Giron to raise funds for Nakashima’s good friend Ivan Smith who had suffered a serious automobile accident.

“I’ve known Tom and the Svajda family for more than a decade since my junior tennis days competing with Zachary,” said Brandon, currently sitting at No. 38 in the world. “Tom has been so committed to helping his kids pursue their passion. Zachary and I have a great friendship. We train together, motivate each other, and push each other through the challenges of the tour. For me, it is so fulfilling to use my platform to lift up their spirits during this very difficult time.”

“Hopefully, I can fly him out and he can see some tournaments around the world that he has always wanted to see. That’s my goal.”