Dream come true – Anderson’s mother on Kevin reaching US Open final
JOBURG – Joburg born and bred Kevin Anderson (31) has booked his place in the final of the US Open against world number one Rafael Nadal following a convincing victory over Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta in the semi-final on Friday night.
Sandton Chronicle spoke with Kevin Anderson’s overjoyed mother, Barbara Anderson, who lives in Hurlingham, to hear her reaction to her eldest son making the final at the Grand Slam.
“It’s absolutely a dream come true. All the hard work on the tennis court from young age has paid off and he is now reaping the rewards. He has made his family so proud. After the match, he gave us a quick call to tell us about the win and he was so elated and pleased to have made it so far,” said Barbara.
Anderson is the first South African Grand Slam singles finalist in over 30 years. He is ranked 32nd in the world after battling injury last year – this being his greatest tennis achievement to date.
Barbara said Anderson, and his younger brother Greg, began playing swing-ball at age four and tennis at age five, receiving much coaching from their father, Mike, every afternoon on their home tennis court.
Barbara said it was very time-consuming being a tennis mom as she woke up at 5am every morning to get her sons to the Randburg Health and Racket Club (now Virgin Active) for swimming training and keep-fit exercises before school. Afternoons were spent either on the court at home with their dad or Barbara would drive them to Pretoria to play against other competitive juniors.
“Any sporting discipline requires healthy eating and early nights. It is a sacrifice and a long path, but it’s all worth it in the end,” said Barbara.
Anderson attended St John’s from Grade 0-3 and then his family moved to Hyde Park, where he attended St Stithians College until Grade 9, after which he completed his schooling through a British International Distance Learning College, while often touring for tennis. He often returns to Saints to inspire young tennis players on his visits to South Africa.
His younger cousins, Alex and Savannah Franck, who live in Sandton, are greatly inspired by him and receive running and tennis coaching with Mike Anderson every Saturday morning at St Stithians. Young Alex (10) showed off a video he received on his birthday of Anderson encouraging him.
Barbara believes Anderson’s mental toughness is his greatest strength in the game. “He always perseveres and never harps on the negative. Even when he loses, he looks at his strengths and corrects his mistakes and remains positive. Even when he was injured towards the end of last year and didn’t play in a lot of tournaments, he still worked on his fitness and is now playing the best tennis of his career.”
“Seeing him on TV is such a reality check. We have been through all the hard work for many years, so it can seem to be natural and normal, but sometimes it gives me a shock and I think of what it must be like for him… I often don’t watch the game live because it’s too nerve-wracking. We wait for his call after the match and then watch the recorded game feeling more relaxed.”
Growing up, Anderson often played against his brother, Greg, who is now the director of a tennis academy in New York. “They used to play together on the court at home till late each day and wouldn’t give up until one of them hit a ‘winning shot’. Kevin would always say, ‘One more, Mom,’ so that he could end the day on a high.” Kevin has been warming up with his brother on the practise courts during the time of the US Open.
The final will be played at 10pm (SA time) tonight.
South Africans have taken to social media to show their support for our homegrown hero:
Congratulations Kevin Anderson for reaching the finals 🙌🏽🌍🎉🇿🇦#KevinAnderson #Usopen2017 pic.twitter.com/xZLnlK29ja
— KaraboBarnard (@prettyfly2) September 9, 2017
#kevinanderson He did it! Africa in the US Open Final! pic.twitter.com/1ulWtRxDXm
— Sonke Dandala (@mbamla) September 8, 2017
Greatest news to wake up to!!! #kevinanderson now known as #mkevisto reaches the U.S. Open final!!!! pic.twitter.com/ODipb3vEYP
— Bongani Bingwa IG/TikTok: Bonglez (@bonglez) September 9, 2017
I love you Rafa but blood is thicker than water 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦
We're right behind you @KAndersonATP ! #USOpen #KevinAnderson— Kugandrie Govender (@Kugandrie) September 9, 2017
#KevinAnderson you beauty. What a proud moment this is for him and South Africa. It's been 14 years since a SA man reached a Slam semi!
— Marc Lewis (@MarcLewisEU) September 6, 2017
Tweet @Sandton_News while you watch the game and cheer on for Anderson!
