Men’s tennis needs No. 1 player to emerge

UNLV men's tennis coach Owen Hambrook has not quite decided whether his glass is half full or half empty.

The good news for the coach is he will start the fall season with all but one of last year's top players. The bad has to do with the man who won't be returning.

Longtime standout Mehdi Bouras graduated in the spring, leaving a gaping hole at the top spot in the lineup.

"In my opinion, Mehdi was one of the best No. 1 players UNLV has ever had," said Hambrook, whose squad finished the spring ranked 60th in the country. "He was just the hardest worker. I don't think anyone can replace Mehdi."

The Rebels enter the post-Bouras era on Sept. 16, when they host the UNLV Invitational at Fertitta Tennis Complex. Hambrook likes the talent on his new squad but is trying to devise a way to match last year's success without his top player. He'll have to rely on the veteran experience of his returnees.

"The other guys are growing up," Hambrook said. "They're getting better and more mature, and we're definitely very deep."

The coach is counting on one returnee and a promising newcomer to fill at least a portion of Bouras' shoes.

Sophomore Tamas Batyi from Hungary returns as the team's top player. He went 13-9 in singles last season.

"If I had to do a lineup card right this minute, he'd be playing at No. 1," Hambrook said. "He started off playing at No. 3 and No. 4 last year and ended up playing at No. 2. He's going to be fine this year at No. 1."

But Hambrook said he thinks newcomer Brian Kenyon, a senior transfer from Jacksonville State, also could compete for the top spot. Kenyon, who played at Basic High for two years before moving to California, went 11-11 at No. 1 singles for the Gamecocks last season.

"I don't think anyone can replace Mehdi, but Brian's definitely going to be someone who can help us," Hambrook said of his only senior. "I see him being a big part of our success."

Hambrook also expects a strong season from junior Bernard Schoeman. Schoeman, who was Bouras' doubles partner, contracted mononucleosis last fall and never returned to top form. He finished 8-13 at No. 3 singles.

"He's healthy now, and we're counting on him," Hambrook said.

The coach said patience will be crucial as the team finds its way during the fall.

"I really want to peak for the regionals," said Hambrook, whose squad will host the four-day USTA ITA Regional at Darling Tennis Center beginning Oct. 19. "I want to do well and have a couple guys go deep into the tournament. I'd like to have someone win in singles or doubles. We've got as good a shot as anyone."

Though the schedule is in flux, the Rebels expect to begin their dual-match season against UC Irvine in late January.

"I'm very optimistic," Hambrook said. "Everyone is working hard, and we've got a great, close group of guys. There won't be anyone we cannot beat in league play. Everyone's pretty even."