Anderson set to reach semis
London – London is proving a happy hunting ground for Kevin Anderson (pictured) this year.
South Africa’s Wimbledon runner-up opened his campaign at the Nitto ATP Finals with a 6-3 7-6(10) win over Dominic Thiem that leaves him well set to reach Saturday’s semifinals.
Despite being a newbie at the eight-man year-ending singles tournament, Anderson showed no nerves against the Austrian who is appearing for the third time at London’s O2 Arena.
Anderson was aggressive from the start, proved impregnable on his big first serve, and showed immense nerve in an 18-minute second set tiebreak.
His pressure broke Thiem in the fourth game, and that clearly undermined the Austrian’s con- fidence, which is anyway more fragile on indoor hard court than on his favourite clay. Anderson wrapped up the first set 6-3 in 41 minutes
Thiem picked up his level in the second set, in which neither man had a break point. That set up a tiebreak that saw both men have ample chances.
Anderson trailed 1-3, but fought back to level. He had match points at 6-5, 8-7 and 10-9, but Thiem saved them all. Thiem had two set points of his own at 7-6 and 9-8, but Anderson’s serve held firm.
Then at 10-10 Anderson hit a blistering forehand down the line to get the minibreak that set up his fourth match point but the first on his own serve, and he finished the job on his 13th ace. Anderson then got the 17 000 crowd to sing Happy Birthday to his American wife Kelsey, who’s part of a substantial family group for his adventure to London. He admitted afterwards to being aware of the occasion. “I definitely felt a little bit nervous at the start,” he said, “but I was able to settle very quickly and find a really good rhythm. And taking care of my serve games nicely allowed me to create quite a few opportunities on his serve.” In group play, Anderson still has to play Roger Federer and Kei Nishikori, who were playing late last night. The winner will face Anderson tomorrow, with the loser playing the South African on Thursday.