CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Arizona Men's Tennis standout Jay Friend will continue his impressive fall campaign with a spot in the main draw of the Champaign Challenger, scheduled to begin November 10 in Champaign, Illinois. The event will mark his final professional tournament before the NCAA Singles Championship.

Currently ranked No. 482 in the ATP World Rankings, Friend has enjoyed a breakout year on both the college and professional stages. Earlier this month, the Tokyo native captured his first ATP Challenger title at the Fairfield Challenger in California, just days after winning the ITA All-American National Championship — a rare double that places him among the most accomplished players in Arizona program history.

Friend most recently competed at the Lincoln Challenger, where he continued to demonstrate the consistency and confidence that have defined his rapid ascent into the ATP Top 500. His entry into the Champaign main draw highlights a season of remarkable growth and momentum.

"Jay's growth this fall has been remarkable," said Head Coach Clancy Shields. "Winning the ITA All-American and following that up with an ATP Challenger title shows he's learning to handle big moments and embrace every challenge. Competing in Champaign gives him another chance to test himself and build confidence heading into the NCAA Championships."

Friend will look to close out his professional fall swing with another strong performance before rejoining the Wildcats for the spring dual season.