Names & Faces” CiCi Bellis, Jackie Robinson

CiCi Bellis

The Atherton teenager has been honored as the WTA’s Newcomer of the Year by a panel of media voters, the women’s tennis tour announced Friday. “I am so honored to be named Newcomer of the Year by the @WTA,” Bellis, 18, tweeted. “Thanks to everyone that voted for me. Can’t wait for next year!” Bellis reached the semifinals in tournaments at Mallorca and Stanford, but the highlight of her 2017 came in Paris, where she reached the third round. She went from a world ranking of 90th to No. 44. Wimbledon champion Garbiñe Muguruza won the top award, the WTA Player of the Year, and U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens is the Comeback Player of the Year.