Anderson set for first Grand Slam final
No matter his age, no matter his ranking and results, no matter his injuries, Kevin Anderson kept trying to improve. And now comes the payoff: His first Grand Slam tennis final.
Taking full advantage of a depleted draw, Anderson became the lowest-ranked U.S. Open final- ist since computer rankings began in 1973, getting to the title match by beating Pablo Carreno Busta, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4, on Friday.
Anderson was so excited he celebrated his semifinal victory as if it made him the champion, stepping on a chair and then a flower box to help him climb into his guest box in the stands.
Said Anderson, a 31-year-old South African: “It certainly felt the right thing to do.”
Hip, leg and elbow injuries caused him to miss time this season. Ankle surgery, plus left knee, right shoulder and groin injuries were problems last year.
He is appearing in his 34th major tournament. He is ranked 32nd, but was seeded 28th at Flushing Meadows, thanks to withdrawals by several top players, including past champions Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka.
On Sunday, Anderson will play No. 1 Rafael Nadal or 24th-seeded Juan Martin del Potro, who eliminated Roger Federer in the quarter-finals.