Early 2016 hiccup for Anderson

Cape Town - South Africa’s no 1 tennis player, Kevin Anderson, had a negative start to the year when he had to withdraw from the Chennai Open in India this week.

Anderson, 29, was due to play in the ATP World Tour 250 event but had to withdraw before his first match with a knee injury.

He was the second seed in Chennai behind defending champion Stan Wawrinka from Switzerland.

Next week, Anderson is scheduled to play at the ATP 250 event in Auckland, New Zealand before he sets his sights on the Australian Open which starts on January 18.

Anderson, currently ranked at No 12 on the official ATP world rankings, enjoyed a stellar 2015 by breaking into the world’s top 10 for the first time and also reached a maiden Grand Slam quarter-final at the US Open when he defeated Britain’s Andy Murray in the Round of 16.

So sorry I'm not able to compete in the @chennaiopen. Was really excited to play for all the Indian tennis fans. I hope to return next year.

— Kevin Anderson (@kevinanderson18) January 6, 2016