Mackenzie McDonald may not yet be a global tennis celebrity, but his ability to challenge top-tier opponents has earned him growing respect across the circuit. Now, he finds himself on the same court as none other than Novak Djokovic. And as McDonald’s journey unfolds, he stands as a symbol of the new American tennis wave: grinding, evolving, and chasing greatness one rally at a time.

Mackenzie McDonald’s journey from the suburban courts of Piedmont, California, to the global tennis platform has been anything but ordinary. Born on April 16, 1995, McDonald boasts a rich heritage of Chinese, Scottish, as well as English descent. The 30-year-old first picked up a tennis racket at the age of 3 under the watchful eye of his father, laying the groundwork for what would become a lifelong passion. 

Driven by a commitment to both scholastic and athletic pursuits, McDonald’s junior year (2016) at UCLA culminated in NCAA singles and doubles titles. And it was in that same year, in June, that McDonald announced that he would not be returning to complete his senior year and was going pro. 

Though McDonald has yet to capture a GS title, he made it all the way to the 2021 Australian Open 4th round, in which he was ousted by Daniil Medvedev. Known for his baseline-heavy game, agile movement, and strategic shot selection, McDonald has become a quietly dangerous contender. And while his 109–129 win-loss record on the ATP may not be much to look at, it includes a major upset that he pulled off in the 2023 Australian Open. In the 2nd round, a 27-year-old McDonald beat the defending champion Rafael Nadal in three straight sets (6-4, 6-4, and 7-5) after a two-hour and 32-minute battle, proving that, on his day, he can topple the very best. As of May 2025, he holds a world ranking of 98th, but in October 2023, he went as high as 37th. 

Standing at 5’10” and weighing 160 lbs, McDonald plays right-handed with a solid 2-handed backhand. His style is built around control, precision, and the kind of tactical intelligence that makes him an enduring threat on every surface. While he has not yet secured an ATP singles championship, his achievements in doubles and ATP Challenger tournaments showcase his capabilities.

His most notable career moments also include his stunning 2019 upset of then-4th seed Juan Martín del Potro and a run to the final at the 2021 Citi Open. With a career prize money of around $6.3 million, his steady climb reflects not just persistence but an evolving skill set that keeps him in the conversation.

Off the court, McDonald shares his life with Maria Mateaș, a fellow Romanian American tennis ace. His father, Michael, an oral surgeon, and mother, Vivian Young, have long supported his aspirations, fostering an environment conducive to success. And now, McDonald is making sure that he is their for young athletes—the future of the sport—who need his support. 

Mackenzie McDonald launches college tennis fund

McDonald’s rise from a standout college athlete to a respected ATP professional on tour is a journey that resonates with anyone chasing excellence. His story, built on discipline, drive, and heart, now fuels a greater purpose beyond the 27-foot court. On March 10 this year, the USTA Foundation, in collaboration with Mackenzie McDonald, launched the Mackie McDonald College Fund, an initiative designed to support high schoolers pursuing their tennis careers through college, especially those who began their tennis journeys with the Foundation’s National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network.

Founded nearly 60 years ago with the support of Arthur Ashe, the National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) program serves over 168,000 underserved youth by integrating education, emotional development, and tennis. McDonald, who takes great pride in his UCLA roots, is dedicated to using the platform he has built for himself to help the next generation of college-goers recognize the benefits of education and inspire them to realize their full potential both on and off the court. “Going to UCLA turned out to be one of the best decisions I made in my life, and for my life, and I’m happy to be playing a part in helping young people chase their college dreams, on and off the court,” McDonald said.

With his breakthrough win over Rafael Nadal still fresh in memory, McDonald now eyes another potential upset, this time at Roland Garros, where he’s set to face the Serbian GOAT Novak Djoković. However, can he emerge victorious on red clay this time?