Zachary Svajda on facing Novak Djokovic at the US Open

ATP Tour

Svajda on the surge, but can he push Djokovic at US Open?

American hopes his father Tom Svajda, who is battling cancer, will be at match

Mike Lawrence/ATP Tour Zachary Svajda reached his career high of No. 102 in the PIF ATP Rankings in August 2024. (File photo) By Andy West

Zachary Svajda has endured a tough 14 months off the court after the American’s father, Tom, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer midway through 2024.

Understandably, Svajda struggled to maintain his push up the PIF ATP Rankings in the wake of his father’s news. Yet fast forward to the 2025 US Open and the World No. 145 Svajda has reeled off four straight-sets wins (including three in qualifying) to set a second-round showdown with record 24-time major titlist Novak Djokovic.

Speaking after his first-round win against Zsombor Piros, Svajda expressed hope that Tom, who lives in California, would be able to travel to New York to watch him take on Djokovic. For 22-year-old Svajda, the occasion will be a reward for a renewed approach to his tennis forged during an emotionally testing 12 months.

“The past couple of years, with all the time I’ve been putting in on the court, but also this year for sure, I’ve definitely been more professional,” Svajda told ATPTour.com at Flushing Meadows. “Now I have a trainer, and a new coach and everything. So we’re really getting the team much better.

“Am I surprised? Not really. I don’t want to be cocky at all, I’m humble, but I know the work I’ve put in. It’s nice seeing it come together slowly.”

Zvajda tasted success at the US Open early, when he upset then-World No. 81 Marco Cecchinato at the 2021 edition of the hard-court major as an 18-year-old wild card. He also competed in the main draw in 2023 and 2024 but with his 6-4, 6-2, 7-5 victory against Piros on Monday, he ended a four-year wait for a second main-draw victory at a major.

“I would say this one honestly felt better, because this is my fourth match this year after I had to go through qualifying,” said Svajda, comparing his two US Open wins. “Getting that qualifying last-round win felt amazing, like a great relief. Now I’ve done it again, and I only have one day off so I’m feeling the momentum. It definitely feels really good.”

That momentum will be put to the test inside the world’s largest purpose-built tennis arena on Wednesday when he takes on Djokovic inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. Svajda, who has eight tour-level victories, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index, will hope to add another fond memory to a North American summer in which he has already lifted ATP Challenger Tour titles in Newport and Lexington.

“It’s amazing,” said Svajda of facing Djokovic. “I practised with him once and he was a really nice guy. I was a little nervous practising with him, a couple of years ago. I will definitely be looking forward to it and will just try to soak in the moment and enjoy it as much as possible.

“I would watch a lot of his matches [growing up], but obviously he was in the finals of Slams a lot. It’s just really cool thinking about the fact that I will play him on Wednesday.”

Svajda’s childhood idol was Djokovic’s great rival Roger Federer. While he may not be able to call on the Swiss legend for advice on how to top Djokovic in New York, he does have options in the American tennis community.

“I’m close with all the American players,” said Svajda, who occasionally trains with Taylor Fritz in California. “Everyone’s very nice, and it’s great seeing Ben [Shelton] and Taylor succeed and I think it gives us motivation, especially for the guys who are around No. 100 or so. It’s definitely cool to see.

“I’m very close with John Isner, so maybe I’ll talk to him [about facing Djokovic]. Although his advice would probably just be, ‘Lots of aces would be good!’”

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