IN TWEETS: #KevinAnderson to be the first to represent South Africa in men’s singles Wimbledon final since 1921

WIMBLEDON – Many South Africans and tennis fans have taken to social media to congratulate Anderson, including President Cyril Ramaphosa and Ryk Neethling.

South African born Kevin Anderson.

South Africa’s Kevin Anderson has made it to the final match at Wimbledon and will be the first to represent the country in 97 years. The country was last represented in 1921 by Brian Norscot. Some have taken to social media to say that while Kevin Curren was the last South African-born player to make it to the final in 1985, he did so as an American citizen.

He was the last American man to reach the final at Wimbledon until Andre Agassi did so seven years later in 1992.

Many South Africans and tennis fans have taken to social media to congratulate Anderson, including President Cyril Ramaphosa and Ryk Neethling.

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.

Kevin Anderson is in the #Wimbledon final!

He wins a MARATHON final set 26-24 and he'll be the first player to represent South Africa in the men's singles final since Brian Norton in 1921. pic.twitter.com/4su17Rsvuf

— SuperSport ???? (@SuperSportTV) July 13, 2018

Congratulations to Kevin Anderson for reaching the men’s singles semi-finals and to Raven Klaasen for reaching the men’s doubles semi-finals at #Wimbledon. All the best to Kgothatso Montjane who’s going to become first SA black woman to play at Wimbledon. We are proud of you all. pic.twitter.com/hVW9CZKIiG

— Cyril Ramaphosa ???????? #StaySafe (@CyrilRamaphosa) July 12, 2018

https://twitter.com/AdriaanBasson/status/1017843965234765824

Congratulations to Kevin Anderson. South Africa will be represented at the Wimbledon final on Sunday. What an epic war. Great game, great fight. It’s what makes us great as a nation. Let’s rally behind him and see our flags fly high on Sunday.

— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) July 13, 2018

"I apologize if I'm not more excited right now." Kevin Anderson's primary reaction now is sympathy for Isner. Classy stuff all around. #Wimbledon

— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) July 13, 2018

Kevin Anderson didn't throw himself onto the grass in celebration. He hugged Isner and then stayed to sign autographs and was so humble and respectful in that post match interview. So classy. @KAndersonATP

— Mandy Wiener (@MandyWiener) July 13, 2018

https://twitter.com/RykNeethling/status/1017842857917452296

Last year, Sandton Chronicle got the opportunity to speak with Kevin Anderson’s mother, Barbara Anderson, who lives in Hurlingham. Barbara explained that Kevin, 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.

Kevin’s 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.

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.”