One Texas. One Tennis: John Zavala

Un Texas. One Tennis. es un serial que destaca los muchos rostros, voces y experiencias del tenis en Texas. Todos son bienvenidos en la cancha de tenis y, cuando estamos abiertos, estamos en nuestro mejor momento. En las canchas de todo Texas, cada jugador tiene una historia, y esas historias demuestran la verdadera diversidad y fortaleza de nuestra comunidad tenística. ¿Quieres compartir tu historia? HAZ CLIC AQUÍ

For John Zavala, tennis is a lifeline that proved there is always a next point. After rising from middle school courts to the competitive stage of Division III collegiate tennis, a life-altering limb loss threatened to permanently end his journey. Yet, the court wasn’t finished with him; years later, an introduction to Para Standing Tennis by advocate Cindy Benzon sparked a profound competitive rebirth. Today, Zavala see's the tennis community as an equalizer where shared passion transcends physical differences and diverse backgrounds. 

USTA Texas: ¿Cómo te iniciaste en el tenis y qué te motivó a seguir jugando en la cancha?

John Zavala: I first got involved with tennis in middle school and went on to play at the Division III collegiate level. After losing my leg, I thought my tennis journey was over until I discovered Para Standing Tennis years later.

USTA Texas: ¿Quién en la comunidad del tenis tuvo el mayor impacto en tu trayectoria? ¿Y por qué?

Zavala: Cindy Benzon had the biggest impact on my journey by introducing me to Para Standing Tennis and being a strong advocate for our community.

USTA Texas: ¿Cuál es una lección que el tenis te mostró y que aplicas fuera de la cancha?

Zavala: Tennis has taught me not to get stuck on the bad moments. There are always more points to play and more opportunities in life to succeed.

USTA Texas: ¿Qué tiene la comunidad del tenis que ayuda a conectar a personas de diferentes orígenes?

Zavala: We all share the same love for tennis, and that brings people together. Even as competitors, we still respect and support each other.

USTA Texas: ¿Qué podemos hacer todos para que el tenis sea más acogedor e inclusivo para todos?

Zavala: Be open-minded and welcoming to everyone. You never know someone’s story or what they’ve overcome, and giving people a chance can make a lasting impact.

USTA Texas: ¿Qué significa “One Texas”? Un tenis. ¿Qué significa para ti?

Zavala: It means we, as tennis players in Texas, are all part of one community, no matter our level or ability. We support each other, grow the game together, and make sure everyone has a place on the court.