SA tennis legend retires after a 15-year glittering career

Following 15 years of a glittering career, Kevin Anderson (35) calls it a day from tennis.

The Celebrated South African legend retired as the seven-time ATP Tour champion and has achieved his highest career No.5 in 2018.

In 2017 he advanced to the 1st Grand Slam final at the US Open as No. 32, becoming the lowest-ranked US Open finalist in history and the first African US Open finalist in the Open era.

He reached the 2nd Grand Slam final at 2008 Wimbledon beating John Isner 26-24 in 5th and 8-time champion Roger Federer 13-11 in 5th.

Though Anderson said leaving the sport was the hardest decision of his life, he indicated that the decision was not an overnight thought. He said his desire to put in the work as he did for the past 30 years was not quite the same.

œI think that my share passion and determination wasn™t maybe quite as it has been for the rest of my life, but given my strength to keep working hard, putting my head down, keep fighting and I didn™t acknowledge any of those feelings

œEventually when I did ummh you know after Miami this year I just allowed myself to ask the question that maybe there is something after tennis it was kinda like hit with a

few emotions, feelings I think I realised there has been a slow progression of the last several months I mean it™s been a tough couple of years for me Anderson admitted

The 35 year old pro competed against the best and did all he could to represent the country at the highest level but the multiple knee surgeries forced him to put an end to his career.

Anderson bows out as one of the best-ever SA tennis players and he picked a few of his standout highlights.

œIt™s actually winning the South African open, as my tournament in 2010 or 2011 I™m forgetting the year ( laughs), you know just by being right at home friends and family watching that was really a great memory I will definitely keep that with me, making top 10 for the first time said Anderson reminiscing.

By Charles Baloyi