Zach Svajda, the myth buster
Full size racket at two years old. Almost five years without playing a single tournament. A father lost to cancer who shaped everything that came after. And a fourth round battle at Roland Garros that could so easily have ended in the final.
This week Dan sits down with ATP pro Zach Svajda, fresh off a stunning run to the last 16 of Roland Garros 2026, where he beat the heat, the occasion and a host of higher ranked players before falling to eventual finalist Cobolli in a fourth set tie break. Currently ranked 69 in the world with a career high of 62, Zach is only 23 and still has plenty of room to grow.
This is one of the most honest and emotional conversations we have had on the podcast. Zach takes us through the unconventional path that got him here, busting a host of tennis development myths along the way, and reflects movingly on the loss of his father and how that continues to shape why he plays.
Key talking points:
Zach's remarkable Roland Garros run, beating the heat and his own lack of clay court experience to reach the last 16, and what it felt like inside the locker room the day Sinner went out.
The unconventional development path set by his father and coach Matt Hanlon, including a full size racket from age two, no mini tennis balls, and nearly five years without playing a single tournament between the ages of ten and fifteen.
A hugely emotional section on the passing of his father and how Zach carries his memory and lessons with him on court, including the powerful coincidence of winning a Roland Garros match on his father's birthday.
Playing Novak Djokovic on Arthur Ashe at the US Open, winning the first set, and what it was like experiencing Djokovic's matchplay and aura up close.
Busting some common tennis development myths, from racket size to playing up in age groups to his own height of five foot nine in a sport dominated by taller players.
His relationship with younger brother Trevor, a rising college star at SMU, and the prospect of the two one day facing off on tour.
A brilliant and honest conversation with a player on the rise. Make sure to give this one a listen.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Zach Svajda
02:00 Reflecting on a remarkable Roland Garros
07:00 The locker room reaction to Sinner's exit
09:00 The fourth round battle with Cobolli
10:00 His father, his passing and playing for something bigger
15:00 Full size rackets at two years old and an unconventional childhood
20:00 Winning Kalamazoo and a wildcard into the US Open
27:00 His game style and how it has stayed consistent since childhood
29:00 Growing up with brother Trevor and their unique practice setup
38:00 Playing Novak Djokovic on Arthur Ashe
45:00 Quick fire round

Zach Svajda's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachsvajda/

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