What wanted! The break of almost 500 days has seemingly done well for Kevin Anderson and the South African-born tennis player is through to the quarter-finals of the Hall of Fame Tennis Championship in Newport.
The 37-year-old player, who announced his retirement in 2022 and recently made a comeback, beat Gijs Brouwer 6-3 and 7-6 to qualify for the knockout round against France’s Ugo Humbert.
Powerful serving was once again Anderson’s greatest ally and he fired 11 chest shots against his Dutch opponent.
The former world no. 5 player decided to put away his racket last year after a professional career of 15 years and seven ATP titles.
Some of the highlights in his first player chapter included the finals of the US Open (2017) and Wimbledon (2018), while he eliminated Roger Federer in spectacular fashion in the grass court tournament itself.
The South African was two sets behind in that match, but fought back to win the match 2-6, 6-7, 7-5, 6-4 and 13-11.
“It’s only been a few months since I decided to resume my tennis journey and I don’t know where it will all end now,” Anderson said after celebrating his return with a victory over Gabriel Diallo.
He has a good understanding with the organizers of the Newport tournament and he gained access to the ATP2050 action as promoter choice.
“A few days ago I had my first session on a grass court in two years and I am very satisfied that I was able to adapt so quickly.”
Kevin Anderson keeps going!
37-year old coming back player reaches the quarter-finals in Newport beating Gijs Brouwer 6-3 7-6
1st quarter on the tour since Newport in 2021 ???? pic.twitter.com/XBfiL1PEGy
— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) July 19, 2023
