The world of tennis unites the Svajda family: Blake, Nakashima will appear on the show | ATP Tour

Kindness

The world of tennis includes the Svajda family: Blake, Nakashima will appear on the show

The fundraiser will be held Saturday in San Diego

December 06, 2024

The tennis community is rallying for Americans Trevor Svajda and Zachary Svajda as their father, Tom Svajda, battles cancer. The show featuring James Blake and Brandon Nakashima will take place on Saturday, December 7, with all proceeds going towards Tom’s medical expenses.

The event, hosted at the Rancho Santa Fe Tennis Club in San Diego, will feature 22-year-old Zach teaming up with his brother, Trevor – a standout college player at Southern Methodist University in Dallas – in a doubles match against World No. Blake and the 2022 Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF champion Nakashima.

“This event has a special place in my heart,” said Zach, who rose to No. 102 in the PIF ATP Rankings earlier this year. it has been an incredible challenge Supporting him in this has been one of the most difficult but meaningful experiences of my life.

Zach’s younger brother, Trevor, explained how important this time was to their family.

“This event is incredibly important to me, especially because our father is going through a difficult time,” said Trevor, who qualified for the 2023 US Open after reaching the final of the USTA Boys’ 18s National Championships. “The dedication of everyone there to show love and support really makes a difference and means everything to us.”

Tom, who has served as a tennis coach for over 30 years, is a beloved figure in the San Diego community and beyond. Tickets to the show can be purchased by clicking here. Additional donations can be made by visiting Svajda’s GoFundMe.

Blake’s father, Thomas Blake Sr., lost his battle with stomach cancer in 2004. Funds raised by the James Blake Foundation support the Thomas Blake Sr. Fund at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Memorial.

“I decided to participate because the tennis community is very small. It’s a lifetime sport and it’s a family sport. I played with my parents and Zach and Trevor played with their dad. “It’s a sport that can be enjoyed as a family, and when one part of the tennis family gets hurt, the whole community gets hurt,” Blake said.

“We sympathize with Tom and want to do what we can to help the family and raise money. So the time and energy to be a part of it is my joy. I hope it makes a meaningful difference.”

Nakashima added: “I have known Tom and the Svajda family for over ten years since my early tennis days against Zachary. Tom is deeply committed to helping his children pursue their passions. Me and Zachary are good friends. We train together, encourage each other, and push each other through the challenges of the journey.

“For me, it’s satisfying to use my platform to lift their spirits during this difficult time. I like to give back to the community whenever I get the chance to do so.”