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Sport24 hit Anderson with a barrage of questions (this exercise was probably more tiring than his tennis game!) and these were his replies:
Nicknames? Kev Dog and Kev Duck
Grew up? Johannesburg (Sandton)
Most memorable moment as a child? Winning Sun City Masters tennis event at 12 years of age which resulted in a trip overseas to Germany
What would your parents say about you growing up? Someone who was very dedicated, hardworking and practiced a great deal
Other sports played growing up? Cross country running and track until 12 or 13 years old. Played cricket and swimming but both of these petered out at about 10
First took tennis seriously? From the word go when I first played tennis at 6 years of age I was always very focused on the game
Who were your biggest role models in tennis? Pete Sampras for his consistency and success at the top. These traits inspired me
Who were the people who directly influenced your career the most? Growing up my father introduced my brother and I to the game of tennis. My mum was pivotal as a support and my brother played as much as I did so he was a great support too
Greatest challenge overcome? Couple of serious elbow injuries growing up. Six months out of the game with the 1st elbow injury and when I came back I had another problem requiring surgery which kept me out for another six months. I never lost the passion for the game even with these setbacks
Proudest moment of your career? Winning my first ATP title which was the South African Open in 2011 in Joburg a few minutes from home with my friends and family present
Proudest moment in your life? Getting married. My wife has been incredibly supportive of my tennis
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Hopefully still playing as I started playing later than most professional tennis players and I am turning 29 later this year. I am inspired by 34 year olds who are still playing professionally who are healthy and still move very well
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I envision having a life after tennis plan before I actually stop playing but at the moment there is nothing definite lined up
Funniest moment on the tennis court? I have such a serious demeanour on court that I don’t have anything!
Favourite provincial rugby team? Sharks and then the Lions a close second!
Favourite rugby player? Willie le Roux
Favourite cricketer? AB de Villiers (what South African would not currently love AB after his recent world record of a 31-ball hundred!).
BBQ or Braai? Braai
Biltong or vegemite? Biltong
VB or Castle? Castle
Bundaberg Rum or Klipdrift Rum? Klipdrift
Sydney or Cape Town? Cape Town
Melbourne or Cape Town? Cape Town (after some hesitation!)
Three people you’d like to have dinner with (alive or no longer living)? Hugh Laurie, Christopher Hitchens, and Michael Jordan
Favourite movie? Lord of the Rings
Last movie seen? Titanic
Favourite book? Lord of the Rings
Last book read? American Sniper
Other information:
Racquet used? Recently has started using Srixon racquets (of golf ball fame). He is the only male currently on the ATP tour to use them. Kevin is very happy with their support of his tennis as well as his wife’s golf needs!
Education
after school? Attended University of Illinois for 2
and a half years and in 2007 was named the Dike Eddelman Athlete of the Year.
Finished half of a business oriented degree. Kevin may go back to University
after tennis to complete this degree.
Dave Marshall is writing exclusively for Sport24 from the 2015 Australian Open in Melbourne
