P97B38 London, UK. 15th July 2018, All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, England; The Wimbledon Tennis Championships, Day 13 mens singles final, Novak Djokovic (SRB) versus Kevin Anderson (RSA); Kevin Anderson (RSA) waving to the crowd holding the 2nd place plate after losing to Novak Djokovic (SRB) in the Men's Single Final Credit: Action Plus Sports Images/Alamy Live News Credit: Action Plus Sports Images/Alamy Live News
Former World No.5 Kevin Anderson has announced his retirement from professional tennis at the age of 35
South African tennis ace and former ATP World No.5 Kevin Anderson has officially announced his retirement from professional tennis. In his 15-year long professional career, Anderson has won seven ATP tour titles and reached two Grand Slam finals.
In his official statement on Twitter about his retirement, Anderson wrote, “I don’t remember a time in my life when I wasn’t playing tennis. I started on the journey 30 years ago when my Dad put a racquet in my hands and told me if I was willing to work hard, I could be one of the best players in the world. Since then, tennis carried me far beyond my roots in Johannesburg, South Africa and truly gave me the world. I’ve experienced so many different challenges and emotions; this sport can be exhilarating and at the same time lonely.”
He further added, “I’ve learned from so many people along the way.I’m extremely grateful for the incredible coaches, agents, physios, fitness trainers, mental coaches who helped me maximize my potential and really achieve my dreams over the years.”
Kevin Anderson has reached notable highs in the sport, including becoming the top African in ATP Rankings history (since 1973) and competing in the Nitto ATP Finals in 2018. He struggled with various injuries later in his career, but overcame them to soar to his greatest heights, including runs to the final of the US Open in 2017 and Wimbledon in 2018.The 35-year-old remained competitive until his retirement, lifting an ATP Tour trophy last July in Newport. His final match came in March at the Miami Open.
Off the court, Anderson received the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award in 2019 and was a longtime member of the ATP Player Council, on which he is currently President.
Anderson thanked all his fans and supporters in his farewell statement. “Thank you to all the fans who watched, cheered and have been there for me along the way. I will always appreciate the outpouring the support you showed me. I am so thankful for the wonderful things that have come my way purely because I was a part of this sport”, he wrote.