Charity
Tennis world unites for Svajda household: Blake, Nakashima to function in exhibition
Fundraiser to be held Saturday in San Diego
December 06, 2024
Svajda Household
From left to proper: Trevor, Anita, Zachary and Tom Svajda on the 2023 US Open.
By ATP Employees
The tennis group is rallying round Individuals Trevor Svajda and Zachary Svajda as their father, Tom Svajda, battles most cancers. An exhibition occasion that includes James Blake and Brandon Nakashima will happen on Saturday, 7 December, with all proceeds directed in the direction of Tom’s medical bills.
The occasion, hosted at Rancho Santa Fe Tennis Membership in San Diego, will function the 22-year-old Zach partnering his brother, Trevor — a standout school participant at Southern Methodist College in Dallas — in a doubles match in opposition to former World No. 4 Blake and 2022 Subsequent Gen ATP Finals introduced by PIF champion Nakashima.
“This occasion holds a particular place in my coronary heart,” mentioned Zach, who climbed to No. 102 within the PIF ATP Rankings earlier this yr.. “My dad was identified with stage 4 most cancers, and our journey by means of his therapy and battle has been extremely difficult. Supporting him by means of this has been one of the vital tough but significant experiences of my life.”
Zach’s youthful brother, Trevor, defined how essential the second is for his or her household.
“This event is extremely significant to me, notably as a result of our dad goes by means of a tough interval,” mentioned Trevor, who in 2023 competed in US Open qualifying after reaching the ultimate of the USTA Boys’ 18s Nationwide Championships. “The dedication of everybody attending to indicate their love and assist really makes a distinction and means every little thing to us.”
Tom, who has labored as a tennis coach for greater than 30 years, is a beloved determine within the San Diego group and past. Tickets to the exhibition might be bought by clicking right here. Further donations might be made by visiting the Svajda’s GoFundMe.
Blake’s father, Thomas Blake Sr., misplaced his battle with gastric most cancers in 2004. Cash raised by James Blake Basis helps the Thomas Blake Sr. Fund at Memorial Sloan Kettering Most cancers Middle.
“I made a decision to take part as a result of the tennis group could be very small. It’s a lifetime sport and in addition a household sport. I performed with my mother and father and Zach and Trevor performed with their dad. It’s a sport that may be loved as a household, and when part of the tennis household is hurting, the entire group is hurting,” mentioned Blake.
“We really feel for Tom a lot and need to do what we are able to to assist the household and lift some cash. So the time and power for me to be part of it’s my pleasure. I hope it makes a significant distinction.”
Nakashima added: “I’ve identified Tom and the Svajda household for greater than a decade since my junior tennis days competing with Zachary. Tom has been so dedicated to serving to his children pursue their ardour. Zachary and I’ve an awesome friendship. We practice collectively, inspire one another, and push one another by means of the challenges of the tour.
“For me, it’s so fulfilling to make use of my platform to elevate up their spirits throughout this very tough time. I really like to provide again to the group at any time when I’ve a chance to take action.”
