Rising Star Jay Friend Wins ATP Fairfield Challenger

By Scoop Malinowski

Valentin Vacherot is not the only breakout future star this weekend. In the shadows of Vacherot’s shocking Shanghai triumph was another astounding performance on American soil.

Jay Friend won the Fairfield ATP Challenger title, his first ATP Challenger win, vs Edgar Winter in the final 67 63 62. As a qualifier, Friend knocked off Shah, Mmoh (link), Milavsky and Johns en route to the final.

The Arizona University standout has been on a roll these last few months. Prior to Fairfield, he won the All-America ITA National Championship in late September by besting Aidan Kim 62 64 in the final. That win solidified Friend as one of the top NCAA singles players, if not the best.

In late August, Friend actually stunned Vacherot in the round of 16 at Manacor Challenger 67 63 64.

In another summer Challenger Friend also defeated Tunisia’a Moez Echargui, who has won two ATP Challenger titles this year.

Before winning Fairfield, the 21 year old Friend was ranked 743 and now he’s ascended to 480. The Japanese player (Japanese mom, New Zealander dad) is also scheduled to play Lincoln ATP Challenger this week to try to extend his powerful momentum.

I’ve watched parts of Fried’s matches on live stream this week. Several elements of his arsenal stand out… heavy and fearless hitting with the Yonex E-Zone (switched form Precept), flawless easy technique, foot speed, big serving, Finishes a lot at net, and fierce intensity expressed by firm but not offensive CMONs which communicate a clear message, “I’m going all in to get to the top of pro tennis, yes I really do believe I can do it, ain’t no stoppin’ me now.” It’s a quiet but strong confidence that makes you appreciate what this previous “nobody” is trying to accomplish.

Vacherot is getting all the headlines for Shanghai but Jay Friend, the man who beat Vacherot in Manacor, is also making big moves on the tennis radar and my prediction is you will be hearing about it soon in the next 6-12 months.

Arizona Wildcats · ATP · ITA · Jay Friend · NCAA · Yonex

1 comment

<< Ymer vs Ymer To Battle In Stockholm

Zane Khan Retires At 23 >>