UNLV doubles team ranked No. 1 in nation

Wednesday, Dec. 9, 1998 | 9:57 a.m.

LAS VEGAS -- The UNLV doubles team of Nenad Zivkovic and Gregor Skorin is the nation's top-ranked duo, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association announced Wednesday.

The pair of sophomores moved up 24 spots since the preseason rankings and marked the first time Rebel tennis has boasted a number-one ranked singles player or doubles team in either the men's or women's programs. The previous high mark was No. 2, which was earned by the doubles team of Roger Pettersson and Luke Smith in 1996 and again by Smith and Tim Blenkiron in 1997 after winning the NCAA doubles championship.

Zivkovic and Skorin, both from Belgrade, Serbia, finished the fall with a record of 8-2, which included the school's third-ever Collegiate Grand Slam title coming at the National Clay Court Championships held in Baltimore, Md., in September.

"It's exciting that Nenad and Gregor are continuing the strong tradition we've built in doubles over the years," UNLV Head Coach Larry Easley said. "This shows how good a fall season they turned in and the potential they have for the spring. They have proven that they are capable of beating anyone in the country."

Also ranked Wednesday was UNLV's top singles player Asaf Tishler. The senior from Tel Aviv, Israel, is No. 34 in the country after posting a 4-3 fall record. The UNLV men's team is ranked 42nd after ending last year 46th.

On the women's side, no individuals are ranked but the Lady Rebels are ranked 31st after finishing last year 28th.

The next ITA Rankings will be released in February.