Zachary Svajda Defeats No. 25 Seed Cerundolo in Five Sets to Reach French Open Fourth Round

Zachary Svajda defeated No. 25 seed Francisco Cerundolo 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 6-3 on Saturday at the French Open. The win moved the 23-year-old Californian into the fourth round of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time.

Svajda entered the match ranked No. 85 in the world. The victory occurred on what would have been the 61st birthday of his father, Thomas Svajda, who died on October 13 and had served as his coach. “It’s like I’m dreaming right now, in a dream.

It’s crazy,” Svajda told reporters after the match. “Today was so special, too, because it’s also my dad’s birthday. I know he’s watching from above. ” Svajda told TNT he was brought to tears during the day and recalled advice his father had given him.

“Every time I step on court, just enjoy it and believe in yourself. And knowing that I could beat anyone on any given day. And so I thought about that today,” he said. He also addressed his performance on clay against Cerundolo.

“I knew I would get good on the clay,” Svajda said. “I thought maybe in a few years, but I never expected right now. ” Svajda will face No. 10 seed Flavio Cobolli in the fourth round on Monday.