Aside from achieving one of the most memorable wins of his career, Kevin Anderson is hoping that it will trigger a resurgence in South African tennis.
Yesterday, Anderson caused the biggest shock in the men’s draw so far with a marathon victory over eight-time champion Roger Federer. The two players engaged in a tense five-set epic with the world No.8 prevailing 13-11 in the decisive set after four hours and 17 minutes of play. Hitting 28 aces along with 65 winners. It was the first time he has defeated the Swiss No.1 on the tour and only the second time he had defeated a top 10 player in a grand slam.
“In terms of my overall Wimbledon, it’s definitely a win that means a lot to me.” Anderson said about his win over the top seed. “It’s tough in the sense that I’ve got to get ready for my next match. I can’t dwell on it too long. Obviously a lot of emotions are going on.”
Anderson, who is based in the American state of Florida, is the only South African ranked in the top 200 on the men’s tour. In fact, he is only one of four ranked in the world’s top 1000. Part of the reasoning for this is the lack of resources and funding that has been available to the national tennis association within recent years. Although Anderson points out that enthusiasm in the sport has not lessened.
“I’ve already gotten tons of messages of support back home. Obviously at this sort of event, playing against an opponent like Roger is going to have a lot of coverage. I really hope it’s an example of sticking to your dreams and keep believing in yourself.” He reflected.
“I always say I was in the same position, it’s not easy coming from South Africa, it’s very far from the tennis scene.”
The achievement of the 32-year-old has drawn praise from the highest officials within his country’s government. Sports minister Tokozile Xasa hailed him as a ‘true ambassador to his country.’ Meanwhile, president Cyril Ramaphosa paid a special tribute to Anderson and his compatriots.
https://twitter.com/CyrilRamaphosa/status/1017285764797825024
Anderson will play John Isner in the semi-finals at Wimbledon on Friday in what will be a first for both players. Should he win, he would become only the second South African Wimbledon finalist in the tournament’s history. The first was Sandra Reynolds back in 1960.
“I have been at the top of South African tennis for pretty much a decade now,” Anderson told reporters last week. “I have always said my biggest hope is that players, especially junior players in South Africa, watch me. I’m a sort of source of inspiration for them to pick up tennis, to pursue it.”
In their head-to-head, Anderson trails Isner 3-8.
