Self-belief key for Anderson

London – Kevin Anderson (above), needs to trust his own ability in order to beat Roger Federer in today’s Wimbledon quarterfinals, his fellow South African tennis star Wayne Ferreira told AFP.

Anderson, the big-serving US Open finalist who is seeded eighth, is the first South African to reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals since Ferreira himself in 1994.

Former world No 6 Ferreira, 46, is one of the few players with a positive record against Federer, and reckons Anderson needs to summon his self-belief to down the defending Wimbledon champion.

“The biggest problem is he needs to trust himself a bit more. He needs to believe that he can win and that’s always the doubt that comes in when it gets closer, towards tie-breakers,” the retired star said.

“Kevin plays a little bit tighter whereas Roger always plays more loose. That’s why he’s the champion that he is. Kevin never believed he could make a final of a Grand Slam like he did last year. Now that he does, it makes it easier for him.”

Ferreira, who contested the Wimbledon doubles with Federer in 2001, reckons Anderson has the weapons to catch the Swiss off-guard – notably his booming serve – but thinks Federer should be adept enough to handle a fresh test.

“Kevin will push him but I don’t think Kevin would have enough of a game to beat him. Roger has just got that little extra ability. He’s just more solid everywhere.”