Before last weekend, Djordje Uskokovic had not played in the No. 1 position for the Illinois State mens tennis team in 2004. But when the opportunity presented itself last weekend against Bradley, Uskokovic responded like a champion, went undefeated in singles and doubles play and earned Missouri Valley Conference player of the week honors for his efforts.
Uskokovic, a sophomore from Belgrade, Yugoslavia, defeated Bradleys Marko Marevic, 7-6, 7-6, despite leg cramps late in the second set. The win improved Uskokovics singles record to 8-9.
Uskokovic also teamed with Ben Pettinari in the No. 1 doubles spot to beat Marevic and Mark Muskievicz, 8-4. The Redbird duo have been paired together for every doubles match that they have participated in this season, and their record now stands at 8-8.
Head coach Greg Kennett is pleased with the way Uskokovics game has improved as the season has progressed.
Djordje has played really well the last couple of weeks, said Kennett. He is really playing up to the ability level that we expect out of him.
Uskokovics emergence as the Redbirds No. 1 singles player came as a result of injuries to Ben Cappuccitti (eye), and back spasms to Pettinari that prevented him from competing in the singles competition.
Kennett is excited with the way Uskokovic stepped into the No. 1 singles position in the absence of two of the teams leaders.
Djordje knows that without our top guys he has to play well, said Kennett. He really stepped up last week against Bradley and we will need more of that out of him.
The Redbirds will next travel to the Entertainment Capital of the World to participate in the UNLV Invitational, March 12-14.
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