Tian Voted ITA Southwest Regional Rookie of the Year

TEMPE, Ariz. – Fresh off capturing the NCAA Division I singles championship, Fangran Tian of the UCLA women's tennis team was named ITA Southwest Regional Rookie of the Year Tuesday by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association.

Tian became the 10th Bruin to earn the honor, joining Abbey Forbes (2020), Elysia Bolton (2019), Ena Shibahara (2017), Jennifer Brady (2014), Kyle McPhillips (2013), Robin Anderson (2012), Jackie Carleton (2003), Megan Bradley (2002) and Lauren Fisher (2001).

A 6-4, 6-2 decision over Oklahoma's Layne Sleeth at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Fla. completed a run of six wins in six days for Tian, who became the second UCLA woman to raise the NCAA singles trophy (May 27). Keri Phebus previously accomplished the feat in 1995. Each of Tian's six victories came in straight sets.

All six of Tian's wins at the year-end tournament came across from fellow top-60-ranked players. Among them was her third positive result without a loss against USC's Maddy Sieg, who was slotted at No. 5 in the final ITA singles rankings. Tian's 30-7 overall singles record included a 17-6 mark opposite nationally-ranked foes. She picked up three-set victories in the Bruins' 4-3 results over No. 5 Pepperdine (April 12) and No. 4 Ohio State (March 12). Tian was the last player standing in her matchup with No. 11 Janice Tjen of the Waves, prevailing 7-6(1), 6-7(6), 6-3 and ultimately collecting the Pac-12 Player of the Week award. Tian, who played exclusively on the top singles court during dual-match play, won all 15 of her regular-season decisions.

This is the latest season-ending honor for Tian, who was also named Pac-12 Freshman/Newcomer of the Year and made the All-Conference First Team. Monday, she was officially tabbed an ITA All-America for her singles play and picked up a finalist spot for the prestigious Honda Sport Award for Tennis. Winners of the ITA national awards are set to be announced June 12.