For the first time in his six US Open attempts, Zachary Svajda steps onto Arthur Ashe Stadium with a chance to shock the world. The 22-year-old American qualifier faces Novak Djokovic in the second round of the New York Major on Wednesday, August 27.
Ranked No. 145 in the world, Svajda arrives in the Big Apple on the back of a strong summer that includes title runs at the Hall of Fame Open and the Lexington Challenger and another US Open breakthrough.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Californian who is set to take center stage against the tennis legend.
Who Is Zachary Svajda?
Zachary Svajda was born on November 29, 2002, in La Jolla, California, and currently resides in San Diego. He began playing tennis at the age of two and turned professional in 2019, after being ranked the No. 1 American recruit in his class.
His early development was guided by his father, Tom, and coach Matt Hanlin, with David Nainkin and Rhyne Williams currently leading his team.
Known for his clean two-handed backhand, compact footwork, and poise under pressure, Svajda lists Roger Federer and John Isner as his idols, having trained with both. The American has also previously hit the practice court with Novak Djokovic.
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He has yet to win an ATP Tour-level title, though he owns six Challenger-level singles titles. These include grass-court success at the Hall of Fame Open in Newport earlier this summer and a hard-court title at the Lexington Challenger. He dedicated the titles to his father and mother, respectively.
Zachary Svajda’s Family and Tennis Roots
Svajda’s tennis roots run deep. His father, Tom, is a longtime teaching pro in the San Diego area, and his younger brother, Trevor, plays for SMU. In 2024, the family rallied around Tom during his battle with stage 4 cancer.
The tennis community responded with a December charity exhibition in San Diego featuring James Blake and Brandon Nakashima, longtime friends of the Svajdas.
Zachary described the event as one of the most meaningful moments of his life, highlighting the profound impact his father’s influence has had on his career.
Zachary Svajda’s US Open Record and Breakthrough
Svajda first gained national attention in 2019 after winning the USTA Boys’ 18s National Championship, which earned him a main draw wildcard into the US Open. At just 16, he pushed veteran Paolo Lorenzi to five sets in the first round.
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In 2021, he returned to New York and defeated Marco Cecchinato in the first round for his first Grand Slam win, then pushed Jannik Sinner in a four-set second-round loss. His 2025 qualification marks his fifth US Open main draw appearance and his second time reaching the second round.
Zachary Svajda’s 2025 US Open Campaign Heading Into Novak Djokovic Match
Svajda’s 2025 season has quietly built momentum, thanks to his two Challenger titles in July.
Ranked No. 145 as of August 19, he entered the US Open main draw as a qualifier, winning in straight sets against August Holmgren, Beibit Zhukayev, and Marc-Andrea Hüsler.
In the opening round, he beat Zsombor Piros 6-4, 6-2, 7-5 to confirm a match against Djokovic.
