Jay Friend, a senior on Arizona’s men’s tennis team, is set to return to Tucson after an impressive showing at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games. He secured three gold medals for Japan, winning in men’s singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles. This achievement is remarkable, as he is the first Japanese player in nearly six decades to win gold in men’s singles, with the last victory dating back to 1967.
A CLEAN SWEEP FOR JAY
Jay Friend is now a 3x Gold Medalist at the #RhineRuhr2025 FISU World University Games with a win in Men’s Singles & Mixed Doubles + a team win for Japan!
He is also the first Japanese player to take home the Men’s Singles title since 1967 pic.twitter.com/eASF6CAf0S
— Arizona Men’s Tennis (@ArizonaMTennis) July 26, 2025
Raised in Tokyo, Friend faced off against talented student athletes aged 17-25. His performance showcased not only his skill but also his potential for greatness in the sport. He’s currently regarded as one of the top collegiate tennis players, finishing the 2024-25 season ranked No. 9 in men’s singles and No. 66 in men’s doubles alongside Eric Padgham, according to the ITA’s national rankings.
His accolades don’t end there. Friend earned All-Big 12 First Team honors in both singles and doubles. He often led in singles while his teammate Colton Smith was competing in professional tournaments. As Smith moves on, Friend is primed to take over the No. 1 singles position next season.
Friend’s journey illustrates a larger trend in collegiate sports: athletes are increasingly representing their countries on international stages while balancing academics and competition. This blend of experiences enriches their training and enhances their profiles for professional opportunities. Such globalization of sports draws attention to the rising caliber of athletes in programs across the United States.
As we celebrate Friend’s achievements, it’s worth noting that his dedication reflects broader efforts in sports to nurture talent at a young age. According to a recent survey by the NCAA, over 70% of student-athletes aspire to compete at professional levels. With leaders like Friend paving the way, the future of collegiate tennis looks bright.
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