University of Arizona men’s tennis player, Jay Friend, is making a name for himself as one of the most formidable competitors in collegiate tennis. With already gaining multiple Big 12 Men’s Tennis Player of the Week recognition, his impressive accolades and unwavering dedication have continued to solidify his place among the sport’s elite.
Hailing from Tokyo, Japan, Friend has earned recognition as the 2024 ITA Southwest Region Most Improved Player, a 2024 Pac-12 Doubles Team of the Year member and a 2024 All-Pac-12 First Team selection. He also played a crucial role in leading his team to the 2024 Pac-12 tournament and regular season championship victories.
After going 3-0 in ranked matchups during the week, Friend earned his third Big 12 Player of the Week honors, which is no small feat. Friend demonstrated his resilience and leadership after winning both doubles and singles matches over No. 17 Baylor University. During the game along with teammate Eric Padgham, the Wildcats took down the Bears 7-6 (4) in a tie-breaking win. Ultimately, the junior captain’s efforts helped push Arizona to clinch the 4-1 over Baylor.
His ability to rise to the occasion when his team needs him most is a testament to his mental toughness and competitive spirit.
Balancing the demands of athletics and academics requires discipline and Friend has embraced the challenge. With a daily routine that begins at 7 a.m., Friend said he goes through rigorous training sessions intertwined with a full academic schedule.
Evenings are spent studying, often alongside his roommate, Iñaki Cabrera-Bello, who helps push him academically. This structured approach has not only enhanced his performance on the court but has also earned him recognition as a 2024 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honoree.
One of the defining aspects of Friend’s game is his confidence.
“I trust my game completely and never hold back on my swings,” Friend said. “In big moments, I go for it, and that confidence has allowed me to set myself apart from other players this season.”
His fearless mindset has been instrumental in his success, helping him secure 26-1 singles wins and 17-1 in dual match singles play. Alongside Padgham, Friend is 14-1 overall in doubles victories this season.
While Friend’s talent was evident early on, it was during his sophomore year that he truly began to believe in his potential.
“That’s when I gained a lot more confidence,” Friend said. Though he is proud of his current achievements, Friend remains focused on constantly improving towards a higher level.
His maturity and willingness to mentor younger teammates position him as a strong leader for the team’s future. As Friend looks ahead, his training is now focused on refining his footwork and strengthening his mental game.
“Coach Clancy has helped refine my technique, and now we’re working on moving more efficiently and maintaining focus for longer periods,” Friend said. This commitment to growth highlights his athlete mentality—always striving for improvement.
With Colton Smith’s departure, Friend is preparing to take on a more significant leadership role.
“I’ve already been transitioning into a leadership role earlier than expected,” Friend said. “As a captain, I’ve been gaining confidence in speaking up when younger players need guidance.”
The men’s tennis season continues as the Wildcats head into their final week hosting games as they take on the University of Utah Thursday, April 3 at 2 p.m. Arizona (18-4, 3-2 in Big 12) also looks to take on BYU on the team’s senior day on Saturday, April 5 at 1 p.m. at LaNelle Robson Tennis Center.
Melisa Guzeloglu, Sports Editor, was a contributor in this story.
Follow the Daily Wildcat on Instagram and Twitter/X
