Two-time Grand Slam finalist Kevin Anderson announces retirement from tennis
ATPTuesday, 03 May 2022 at 15:54
Former World No.5 and two time Grand Slam finalist, Kevin Anderson has retired from professional tennis at the age of 35, it has been confirmed.
Anderson became the first South African to be ranked inside the top five since Kevin Curren back in 1985.
Known for his 6 ft 8 frame and being one of the so called 'serve bots', a term now used for Reilly Opelka and John Isner, he reached those aforementioned finals in 2017 and 2018 at US Open and Wimbledon losing to Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
In his career, he claimed seven titles including his last only coming in 2021 when he returned from knee surgery to win his final title at the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships.
There he saw off American rising star, Jenson Brooksby. His last match saw him lose in Miami back in March to Juan Manuel Cerundolo with his career now ending after 15 years.
"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 would become one of the best players in the world," said Anderson as part of a lengthy statement below.
"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. I've had ups and downs but I wouldn't change it for anything. My journey held me become the man I am today."
"Today I finally arrived at the difficult decision to retire from professional tennis. As a kid, my Dad used to tell me that success isn't defined by results, but aby the effort and sacrifice you make along the way in becoming the best you can be. I gave it my best."
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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