Kevin Anderson earns sportsmanship award
JOHANNESBURG – SA tennis star is awarded for personifying sportsmanship.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced that South African tennis star Kevin Anderson has received the fifth annual US Open Sportsmanship Award.
The award is presented to the professional tennis player who best demonstrates excellence in sportsmanship throughout the Emirates Airline US Open Series and the US Open. The award was presented to him by USTA Sportsmanship Selection Committee chairman Todd Martin.
Anderson crashed out of the US Open when he lost to Stan Wawrinka 4–6, 4–6, 0–6 in the quarterfinal on 9 September, but not before he beat Great Britain’s Andy Murray in the fourth round.
USTA chairperson, CEO and president Katrina Adams said of Anderson, “Of all the players on tour, Kevin consistently ranks among those who best embody respect and sportsmanship, even in the heat of competition. He is a tremendous role model and is deserving of this year’s US Open Sportsmanship Award.”
The USTA started a Sportsmanship Committee in 2011. Its charge is to educate and inspire youngsters and their parents to develop and exhibit a high degree of sportsmanship and an attitude of fair play and mutual respect on and off the tennis court. Underlying the charge is the ethical imperative that fairness is more important than winning.
Eligibility requirements for winners include participating in at least two Series tournaments, as well as the 2015 US Open. Each US Open Sportsmanship Award winner receives a trophy and a USD5 000 donation to the charity of his or her choice.
