Alexander Ritschard’s journey from near-tragedy to Top 100 tennis pro is a story of resilience, luck, and love. The 31-year-old Swiss-American made history in 2024 by cracking the ATP Top 100 for the first time, fueled by a career-high ranking of No. 99 and a nutritional plan designed by his girlfriend, Kat Berglas.
With three Challenger titles in 2024 and over $680,000 in career earnings, Ritschard’s comeback from a life-threatening arm injury proves that miracles happen on and off the court.
Alexander Ritschard’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alexander Ritschard |
| Date of Birth | March 24, 1994 |
| Age | 31 years |
| Education | University of Virginia |
| Nationality | Swiss-American |
| Height | 6’4” (193 cm) |
| Weight | 180 lbs (82 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2018 |
| Net Worth | $686,236 |
| Career Earnings | $686,236 |
| Girlfriend | Kat Berglas |
| @alexritschard |
Early Career
Alexander Ritschard’s early career began in Zurich, Switzerland, where he started playing tennis at the age of five. As a junior, he displayed immense talent, winning two national championships in Switzerland. Seeking to further his tennis and academic pursuits, Ritschard moved to the United States and attended the University of Virginia.
There, he became a standout player, helping the UVA tennis team secure three consecutive NCAA titles from 2015 to 2017. However, his journey was not without challenges.
In 2015, a life-threatening blocked artery in his right arm nearly ended his career. After undergoing multiple surgeries and months of recovery, Ritschard returned to the court with limited training time but continued to excel in college tennis. His resilience and determination during this period laid the foundation for his transition to professional tennis in 2018.
Professional Career
Alexander Ritschard’s professional career began in 2018 when he turned pro after graduating from the University of Virginia. Initially, he struggled to gain traction, grinding through ITF Futures events and facing a world ranking outside the top 600. However, his breakthrough came in 2022 when he qualified for both Wimbledon and the US Open, taking sets off top players like Stefanos Tsitsipas and Félix Auger-Aliassime.
That same year, he claimed his first ATP Challenger title in Hamburg, propelling him from No. 209 to No. 166 in the rankings. Ritschard’s career reached new heights in 2024 when he won three Challenger titles in Savannah, Salzburg, and Lisbon.
This success, combined with his aggressive baseline play and improved fitness, helped him crack the Top 100 for the first time, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 99 in September 2024. Despite being a late bloomer in the professional circuit, Ritschard’s perseverance and dedication have established him as a formidable competitor on the ATP Challenger Tour and a rising presence in Grand Slam qualifications.
Girlfriend
Alexander Ritschard is currently dating Kat Berglas, a nutritionist, who has significantly influenced his career since they began dating in March 2024. Berglas designed a customized nutritional plan focusing on carb-loading, potassium-rich bananas, and electrolyte drinks to combat his rapid metabolism. Ritschard credits her expertise for his improved stamina and health.
RELATED ARTICLES
In his own words, “She was the missing piece,” attributing much of his recent success, including his entry into the Top 100, to her support. Besides her pivotal role in his diet and fitness, Berglas frequently shares moments from their life together on Instagram, showcasing her support and excitement for his achievements. The couple does not have any children as of now.
Alexander Ritschard’s Net Worth Details
Alexander Ritschard’s net worth is estimated to be $692,088 as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Year | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $8,568 |
| 2024 | $218,099 |
| 2023 | $147,297 |
| 2022 | $216,237 |
| 2021 | $19,871 |
| 2020 | $13,176 |
| 2019 | $20,152 |
| 2018 | $12,733 |
Career Stats
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Current Rank | 125 |
| Career-High Rank | 99 (September 30, 2024) |
| Titles | 9 (4 Challengers, 5 Futures) |
| Career Prize Money | $692,088 |
| Overall Win-Loss | 332-224 (59.7%) |
| Hard Court Win-Loss | 78-53 (59.5%) |
| Clay Court Win-Loss | 188-106 (63.9%) |
| Indoor Win-Loss | 62-60 (50.8%) |
| Grass Court Win-Loss | 4-5 (44.4%) |
| Grand Slam Win-Loss | 13-11 (54.2%) |
| Challenger Win-Loss | 160-127 (55.7%) |
| Futures Win-Loss | 152-83 (64.7%) |
| 1st Serve Percentage | 60.7% |
| 1st Serve Points Won | 69.1% |
| 2nd Serve Points Won | 46.1% |
| Break Points Saved | 57.6% |
| Service Games Held | 74.9% |
FAQs
1. What is Alexander Ritschard’s professional tennis background?
Ritschard is a Swiss-American professional tennis player who has recorded multiple titles on the ITF and Challenger tours, and broke into the ATP top 150 in men’s singles.
2. What are Ritschard’s most notable achievements at ATP tournaments?
Ritschard made his Grand Slam main draw debut at Wimbledon 2022 and has won main draw matches at the Swiss Open Gstaad and other ATP-level events, signaling steady career progress.
3. How many titles has Ritschard won on the Challenger and ITF circuits?
He has collected several ITF Futures titles and a handful of ATP Challenger doubles and singles trophies, with most of his professional wins coming on hard and clay courts.
4. What is Ritschard’s career-high ranking?
Ritschard reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of world No. 160 in July 2023, proving himself among the top performers outside the core ATP elite.
5. What is Ritschard’s playing style and strengths on court?
He stands out for baseline consistency, powerful serving, and aggressive forehand play, making him particularly effective in long rallies and on faster court surfaces.
6. Where did Ritschard play college tennis and what were his achievements in the NCAA?
Ritschard played for the University of Virginia, where he helped the team capture multiple NCAA national championships and earned individual All-ACC and All-American honors.
7. Has Ritschard represented Switzerland in international competitions?
Ritschard has competed for Switzerland in Davis Cup matches, contributing to the national squad and representing his heritage at international events in singles and doubles.
8. Has Ritschard faced any significant injuries?
He dealt with multiple injuries as a junior and in early pro years, requiring rehab and limiting early momentum, but he returned to establish consistency and break into the ATP main draws.
9. Who are Ritschard’s coaches and support team?
Ritschard has worked with several European and U.S. coaches throughout his career, drawing on a strong support system that includes training partners from his college and pro circuits.
10. What are Ritschard’s goals for his tennis career?
Ritschard aims to secure a regular place in Grand Slam main draws, push toward the ATP top 100, and help guide the next generation of Swiss tennis talent while competing at a high level.
