UCLA Men’s Tennis Gears Up for Big Ten Road Trip
The UCLA men’s tennis team (6-2) embarks on a crucial Big Ten Conference road swing this week, facing No. 46 Indiana on Friday, March 6, and Purdue on Sunday, March 8. The Bruins are looking to build on their recent success and establish themselves as contenders in their second season within the conference.
Facing the Hoosiers in Bloomington
UCLA’s first stop is the IU Tennis Center in Bloomington, Indiana, for a 3 p.m. PT matchup against the Hoosiers. Fans can follow the action with live scoring (here) and video coverage (here). The Bruins hold a 2-0 series lead over Indiana, including a dominant 7-0 victory last year on March 7, 2025.
Heading to West Lafayette to Accept on Purdue
Following the Indiana contest, UCLA travels to West Lafayette, Indiana, to challenge Purdue (4-5) at the Schwartz Tennis Center on Sunday at 8 a.m. PT. Live scoring will be available (here), and fans can watch the match via (here). UCLA also boasts a 1-0 record against Purdue, having won their previous encounter 7-0 on March 9, 2025.
Recent Form and Key Players
UCLA comes into these matches after a 4-3 victory over No. 9 San Diego, where Rudy Quan clinched the win in a decisive third-set battle. The Bruins are currently ranked No. 26 nationally. Key players to watch include No. 35 Emon van Loben Sels, No. 57 Spencer Johnson, and No. 104 Rudy Quan in singles play. The doubles team of Johnson and van Loben Sels is ranked No. 35, while Quan and Aadarsh Tripathi hold the No. 40 spot.
Van Loben Sels: A Clutch Performer
Redshirt junior Emon van Loben Sels has proven to be a reliable closer for the Bruins, consistently delivering in tight matches. He has clinched seven wins for UCLA throughout his career, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.
Milestone Watch
Several Bruins are nearing significant career milestones. Spencer Johnson currently has 99 total wins (singles and doubles), while Emon van Loben Sels has 98, and Aadarsh Tripathi has 85.
Looking Back: 2024-25 Success
The 2024-25 season was a breakthrough year for UCLA, culminating in their first Big Ten Tournament championship and a quarterfinal appearance in the NCAA Championship. The team’s success was fueled by strong performances from van Loben Sels, Quan, Johnson, and Tripathi.
FAQ
Q: Where can I find live updates during the matches?
A: Live scoring and video links are available for both matches on the UCLA Athletics website and the host schools’ websites. You can also find updates on the UCLA men’s tennis X account.
Q: What is UCLA’s record against Indiana and Purdue?
A: UCLA leads the series against Indiana 2-0 and against Purdue 1-0.
Q: Who are some of UCLA’s key players to watch?
A: Emon van Loben Sels, Spencer Johnson, and Rudy Quan are key players for UCLA in both singles and doubles.
Did you grasp? UCLA’s head coach, Billy Martin, is the longest-tenured active coach at UCLA and has led the program to 16 NCAA team titles.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Emon van Loben Sels in close matches – he has a knack for delivering clutch performances.
Stay tuned for updates from Bloomington and West Lafayette! Follow UCLA Men’s Tennis for the latest news and scores.
