Men鈥檚 tennis head coach Mike Fried has announced the addition of four newcomers for the 2026-27 season, including three freshmen and one transfer. The freshmen are Justin Lin from Sammamish, WA, Tej Bhagra from Rochester, MN, and Guatam Venkatraman from Singapore. Lucas Kimelman, transferring from Portland, joins them. Each newcomer brings significant achievements, enhancing both the team's competitive edge and community spirit at Brown.

By the Numbers
  • Justin Lin: WIAA State Singles Champion and KingCo Player of the Year.
  • Tej Bhagra: 2025 USTA National Junior Scholar Athlete of the Year, perfect 26-0 singles record in 2024.
Yes, But

The newcomers face the pressure of assimilating into a competitive team environment, with high expectations set by their impressive backgrounds. There is always the challenge of adjusting to the rigorous academic demands of Brown while maintaining athletic performance.

State of Play
  • The men's tennis team aims to leverage these new talents to enhance performance in upcoming tournaments.
  • All four newcomers have shown promise in their respective junior careers, indicating potential for strong contributions.
What's Next

As the season approaches, the focus will be on integrating these players into the team dynamic and preparing for a highly competitive schedule. Continued development in practice sessions will be critical for their success and the team's overall performance.

Bottom Line

The infusion of talent through these new recruits positions Brown's men's tennis team for a potentially successful season, blending strong individual achievements with team cohesion. Monitoring their transition and growth will be key to unlocking their full potential.