Tomas Machac’s transformation from an up-and-coming talent to a formidable force on the ATP Tour has been nothing short of extraordinary. The 24-year-old Czech player began 2024 ranked No. 78 in the PIF ATP Rankings, but as the calendar flips to 2025, he finds himself at a career-high World No. 25. Machac has not only climbed the ranks but also cemented his reputation as one of the most dangerous players in men’s tennis.
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Reflecting on his breakthrough season, Machac admitted his ascent was beyond even his expectations. “I think I would say I would be a little bit surprised, to be 25 in the world and to have this kind of season,” he shared. “I’m not forgetting that I won a gold medal in [mixed doubles at] the Olympic Games. So the season was unbelievable for me, really.”
Battling Adversity
Machac’s remarkable season has been defined not only by his victories but also by his resilience. He entered the 2025 season at the United Cup, delivering a nearly three-hour thriller against Casper Ruud and defeating Hubert Hurkacz in three sets. These impressive performances came despite an interrupted preseason due to illness.
“The plan was to spend five or six weeks in my preseason preparing for 2025. After two weeks of training, I fell ill and did not know what was wrong,” Machac explained. Following a course of antibiotics and two weeks off the court, he found himself scrambling to regain his fitness.
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Accompanied by his fitness coach in Sydney, Machac pushed through an intense schedule to rebuild his stamina. “I was doing two tennis practices, and then one fitness, and then I was doing fitness, running, tennis, tennis. So I was a little bit tired,” he admitted. “But otherwise, I would not finish the match with Casper if I didn’t do that. You have to play with the cards you have on the table.”
His grit paid off. Reflecting on his hard-fought victories, he said, “I’m really happy with the performance and the results. That’s why I was so pumped up in the third set [against Hurkacz]. I realized I am doing incredible things with my body.”
The Turning Point
A year ago, Machac had to qualify for the ATP 250 event in Brisbane to start his season. Fast forward to 2024, and he has claimed four victories against Top 10 opponents, including tennis icons Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray (twice), and Stan Wawrinka.
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One of the defining moments of his season came at the Rolex Shanghai Masters. Facing Alcaraz, who had just triumphed over Jannik Sinner in Beijing, Machac delivered a career-best performance. He stunned the Spaniard 7-6(5), 7-5, showcasing a level of play that left his opponent in awe.
“I feel like I was playing against a Top-5 player, not even Top 10. Top 5, his level, it was so high,” Alcaraz said post-match. “I thought that he was going to give me an opportunity, a window, but he didn’t.”
For Machac, this victory was a pivotal moment. “He was playing his best tennis, and even he said that he was playing great and I managed to beat him in straight sets. That match showed me that I can really be a great player, but I need to focus on my tennis and trying to be healthy as much as possible.”
The Secret to Success
Machac’s coach, Daniel Vacek, attributes the player’s success to his growing self-belief. “The most improved part of his game is that he believes in himself, much more than he did in the past,” Vacek explained.
This newfound confidence has translated into tangible results. “I think the season was unbelievable for me to show myself that I can play against the best players and I can win those matches,” Machac said.
According to Vacek, Machac thrives under pressure. “He really loves to play on the center courts, on the big courts with a lot of people against the top guys. He thrives on it,” he said. “Everybody knows that he’s extremely talented. When he puts all these things together, he’s very dangerous.”
A Complete Player
What sets Machac apart is his versatility on the court. Unlike many players who rely on a specific weapon, Machac’s game is built on a well-rounded foundation.
“I think I can play everything. I actually am great on my serve. So in case I’m not serving well, I can be strong even on the baseline. Really, really strong,” Machac explained. “I can do everything that I want to do on the court, and it also depends on the situation. So this is, I think, my strength—that I don’t have so many weak sides.”
Looking Ahead
Machac’s next challenge comes in the United Cup quarter-finals, where Czechia will face Italy. He will take on Flavio Cobolli in their first Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting. Despite his preseason hurdles, Machac is optimistic about his form.
“I’m really happy with my physical stuff, even though it’s not 100 percent and I didn’t play the best tennis. I managed to find my rhythm,” Machac said. “I’m really pleased with the start of the year.”
With his relentless determination, adaptability, and flair for the big stage, Tomas Machac is poised to continue his ascent in 2025. Czechia’s top-ranked player is not just a rising star—he is a force to be reckoned with on the ATP Tour.
