Local tennis professional Brandon Nakashima, currently the worlds No. 38 ranked singles player, will be headlining a benefit tennis exhibition at the Rancho Santa Fe Tennis Club on Saturday, Dec. 7. The event is a fundraiser for nationally-recognized local tennis coach Tom Svajda who is battling Stage 4 colon cancer.

In the special doubles match, Nakashima will team up with local resident James Blake, the former No. 4 player in the world, playing against brothers Zachary and Trevor Svajda, Tom’s sons. Zachary competes on the pro tour while Trevor plays No. 1 for the men’s tennis team at Southern Methodist University.

Tom Svajda has been a tennis instructor in San Diego for 30 years, teaching hundreds of kids and teen players as well as adults and seniors mainly at Pacific Beach Tennis Club. Svajda has been unable to coach since his diagnosis and he faces extensive medical bills. Tickets to the exhibition are $150 per person and all proceeds will go directly to help Svajda and his family.

Nakashima, the 23-year-old pro who grew up in Carmel Valley, was happy to support this meaningful cause.

“I’ve known Tom and the Svajda family for more than a decade since my junior tennis days competing with Zachary. Tom has been so committed to helping his kids pursue their passion, Nakashima said. Zachary and I have a great friendship. We train together, motivate each other, and push each other through the challenges of the tour. For me, it is so fulfilling to use my platform to lift up their spirits during this very difficult time.”

The event will run from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 7. To register, visit tinyurl.com/msnrbxcf