TENNIS WIMBLEDON 2014 – 27th of June. K. Anderson d. F. Fognini 4-6, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2, 6-1. An interview with Kevin Anderson
Q. What happened in the match when you were down two sets to one, two break points? Of course, great serve, but do you think you were a bit lucky as Fognini said or not?
KEVIN ANDERSON: It was a very interesting match I would say. There was a lot of ups and downs. Facing those break points, down two sets to one, I definitely knew it was my time if I wanted to at least stay even and give myself a chance to win.
That was very important. I didn’t feel great in the third set, but I knew that if I could get things going, I felt confident that on the surface I felt like my chances were going to be pretty good.
Fortunately I was able to save that game, which was, looking back at it, obviously very important. From that time, I just felt much better. Felt like I got a second wind going. I felt much more relaxed. My feet were much better.
The last two sets were sort of what I would have liked to start match out with. Obviously very happy to get through regardless of what might have taken place in the match.
Q. What was the problem with your back?
KEVIN ANDERSON: It was weird. I think I was a little nervous going out. Obviously it’s a big match, a match that I thought if I stuck to my game I was going to have a good chance of getting through.
My first time being in this position here at Wimbledon, and just got a little stiff and affected the serve right from warming up. So I was a little bit nervous.
The more nervous I got the worse the back felt. Fortunately it settled down. It wasn’t a factor. Definitely happy that I’ve got two days off to get to feeling better.
Q. You got a bit of treatment on it?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah, I’ve already b#b# fortunately I have a very good team with me. My physio, he’s already taken a look at it. Nothing to worry about.
Q. How does it feel to be the first South African to get this far in 14 years since Wayne Ferriera?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah, it’s fantastic. I mean, been in the fourth round a couple times at the Australian and French and fell a match short last year.
But, you know, just starting this week I felt like I was feeling good on the grass. It’s been a very enjoyable tournament for me so far. I’ve been facing the challenges that I’ve had to face in matches, but little scenarios within the matches as well.
Today was a crazy match. As I said, so many ups and downs and playing against a pretty tricky opponent. Feels great to be through. Being in the second week of Wimbledon, you know, feels fantastic.
Q. If were to face Andy Murray, how would you feel about that?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah, I’ve been asked that throughout the week. I never like talking about possible matchups before they’ve played. Bautista is so good. He won ‘sb#Hertogenbosch last week. I’ve played him before. He’s had a terrific year, and he definitely has his work cut out for him.
If I do play Andy, yeah, it will be a great experience for me. It’s why I play this game, to play greats, and at such a big tournament. Yeah, I mean, I haven’t really thought too much about it yet.
Q. You’ve beaten him before.
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah, I played him a couple times. Didn’t go so well against him in Australia. Got the better of him in Canada a couple years ago. Practiced with him a few times. Don’t need to go too much about how he is as a tennis player. He’s one of the best. There are so many parts of his game that are so good.
If I do play him, there will be a few challenges. I think the biggest will be staying calm, regardless of what court we may be on or all those outside factors.
Really it’s about me focusing on my game. If I do that and do it very well, then I might have a few chances here and there.
Q. Fabio is the kind of player that’s known to have quite the temper and sometimes it’s a bit distracting to play him. Going into the match, is he the kind of player you dread facing because of that?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah, you’re not sure what you’re going to get. I guess that’s the reason we were out on I think it was Court 17 today. Sort of lived up to what I thought it was going to be like. A lot of talking. Not sure if he’s doing it b#b# I mean, I personally just think that’s the way he copes with some of the stress of being out on the tour.
Regardless of what’s going on, you have to play and beat him. I did expect that a little bit going into the match, so I definitely felt a bit more prepared to deal with it.
Q. Does it bother you?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah, I mean, didn’t really bother me too much today. I feel like I’m able to sort of put that off my mind. I was able to just focus on what I needed to do on the court.
Q. If you look down your past record you can see which big names you play, but doesn’t tell us the big stadiums and how crowded they were. Which were the biggest crowds you played in front of?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Let me try to think. I played Andy in Melbourne on Laver. That’s actually the only main like center court of the slams that I’ve been on.
I’ve been on Hisense.
Court 1 here. Played Novak here a few years ago. Played Davydenko here on Court 1;Berdych on Court 1 as well.
Then at the Open, played David Ferrer there.
And at the French Open…
Q. On Ashe?
KEVIN ANDERSON: No, on Court 1, on Armstrong.
And then on French Open I played on Lenglen against Ferrer twice.
So I feel like, I mean, just, yeah, playing Novak and playing Berdych and Davydenko on Court 1, it’s not much of a size difference. It’s a great crowd.
Obviously not sort of home support, but it’ll be exciting. I don’t know who I’m playing yet, but if it is Andy and if we do get on Centre Court, it’ll definitely be fantastic.
Q. Were you around on day one when he walked out and got that long standing ovation?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah, it was great to see. I got into the locker room and I think the TV wasn’t on and I asked the guys to put on. I think it’s great to see the defending champ go out for the first time. It’s an amazing tradition and something very special to see.
Q. Were you surprised to be on Court 17 today?
KEVIN ANDERSON: Yeah. Well, just because – biggest surprise was being able to get one grounds pass for a third-round match. I mean, I don’t know if there is an exact reasoning. Maybe assuming something to do with my opponent and some of the antics he’s had this week so far.
Q. Did this annoy you?
KEVIN ANDERSON: No, I mean, not really. Just have to deal with it. When it comes to court scheduling and stuff, nothing you’re going to do about it. The only frustrating part was, as I, said the amount of grounds passes I could get.