Zachary Svajda is an American tennis player, just starting his career. When he sat down with Tennis Acumen in November 2019, he was 16 years old. Watching him on the practice courts, you can see his determination, his focus and his consistency staring to take shape. This is part one of a two-part personal insight into the life of a young gun.
(photo: Karl Corbett, copyright Tennis Acumen)
Karl Corbett, with Tennis Acumen. Knoxville, Tennessee, November 4th, reporting from the 2019 Challenger tournament. We're with Zach Svajda today, just coming off court after his first-round match. So, I've got to ask... At 16 years old, you're one of the youngest guys out on the tour. What was your inspiration for playing tennis?
Zach: I started when I was two years old. My Dad got me into it. I was on court, hitting volleys, you know. I was still in diapers. And then, by the time I was four and five, I was hitting pretty much every day. I really enjoyed it. My Dad played in college. He played a few pro tournaments, too. He always loved the game.
Karl: You love it, too.
Zach: I do.
Karl: You know, a lot of guys just absolutely love winning. Some people simply hate losing. Where are you on that spectrum, Zach?
Zach: Well, I love to win. It's tough losing, but it's a part of tennis. It's part of life. You just get back up. There is always another tournament, a new one every week. So, can't get too depressed.
Karl: What's your routine? When you're out traveling and doing tournaments, what's your sort of day to day routine?
Zach: Usually it's double practices: morning practice, afternoon practice, then into the gym. I'm usually done around four in the afternoon, and I can relax.
Karl: I don't think people have any idea how hard this is, Zach.
Zach: It's tough. It's really tough, yes .
Karl: So, what keeps you going?
Zach: This is what I want to do. This. Be a professional tennis player. It's always been my dream.
Karl: Well what players have you have you admired? Is there anyone whose style you like to emulate?
Zach: I like Alex DeMinaur. I like how he moves. You know, I'd like to be like Alex, solid from the baseline, right?
Karl: Yeah, I saw quite a bit of Alex. I covered the Atlanta tournament in June.
Zach: He took the title. I saw that.
Karl: And when he is 'on', there's no stopping him.
Zach: Alex is really quick. No doubt.
Karl: I have to say your game is really ferocious. You hit the ball as hard as anybody out there. And you tend to go side to side. You change directions more than just about anybody. Where does that fit into your overall game plan, or do you change that from one match to another?
Zach: It usually depends on who I am playing, but I love going side to side. But, when I am playing someone tall, I try to slice more and keep the ball low, give them trouble, having to go down low and go after it. I have to see, out on court, how my opponent is playing their game.
Karl: How long does it take you to read somebody you have never played?
Zach: I would say, most of the time, three to four games. I always look my opponents up on the Internet to see if there's anything that might help me get ready. I do research, and my coaches do that, too.
Karl: If you were not playing tennis, what would you be doing?
Zach: People always ask me that. I don't think too much about it, you know. Maybe acting, though. I think I could get into acting.
Karl: I think you'll be in this game for a while, Zach.
Now, read part two of this exclusive: (LINK)
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