Anderson breaks new ground

FUTURE: SA STAR HOPES TO INSPIRE LOCAL YOUNGSTERS

Big-hitting South African ace Kevin Anderson hopes he can motivate younger players back home to follow in his footsteps, after capping his remarkable comeback from injury by breaking new ground at the US Open in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Anderson defeated American player Sam Querrey 7-6, 6-7, 6-3, 7-6 in their quarterfinal clash at Flushing Meadows, progressing to the last-four at a Grand Slam for the first time in his career.

“It was an incredible match,” Anderson told the ATP website.

“Matches like that, you sort of focus on getting through right there and then look at the bigger picture afterwards.

“I have put in a lot of work. It definitely feels good that I have reached some milestone that I haven’t before.”

The 31-year-old became the first South African to reach the singles semifinals in the open era of the US Open and the first in the last-four of any Grand Slam since former world No 6 Wayne Ferreira reached the penultimate round of the Australian Open in 2003.

“My biggest hope is that I’m able to inspire kids to play the sport,” said Anderson, who had been criticised in recent years for not representing SA in the Davis Cup team competition.

“It’s very tough coming from South Africa, far from the (international tennis) scene. It makes me feel good that I can hopefully fly a flag and show kids that if you work hard you can get there.”

Taking another big step forward after his 2016 season was virtually derailed by injuries, Anderson was gearing up to face No 12 seed Pablo Carreno Busta tomorrow for a place in the final.

The Spaniard is also playing in the last-four of a top-flight event for the first time, with one of them set to compete for the title.

“This is new ground for both of us,” Anderson said. “There will be adjustments we both have to make.”