Sleep deprived - and sore - Anderson goes out in 5 sets

Melbourne - South Africa's Kevin Anderson gave his all, but literally ran out of steam as he lost his second round match in Melbourne at the Australian Open on Thursday in five sets to American Taylor Fritz 4-6, 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/4), 6-2, 6-2.

Despite the defeat, Anderson was heartened with how the first half of the match went.

”Really pleased with how it went for the first two, three sets, unfortunately I couldn’t get it done in the end.”

Anderson disclosed how, after the end of the third set tie-break, he really struggled to perform to his usual high standard.

”During the last two sets I was physically exhausted and out of it. I can’t think of a time in my career when I felt like that.”

However, it certainly wasn't a case of Anderson throwing in the towel when he felt he was physically fading.

”Kept pushing myself to find that energy but I couldn’t do that.”

Anderson described how tough it was for him to back up after his 4-hour plus match in Round 1 that ended in the wee hours of Wednesday morning.

”Late finish the other night, barely sleeping, and I was incredibly stiff and sore.”

Anderson felt that his preparation leading up to the Australian Open was ideal.

”The ATP Cup was a fantastic warm up, with three guaranteed matches.”

Anderson remains the committed patriot after his ATP Cup experiences.

”It was a great opportunity to represent South Africa in that capacity.”

Anderson’s desire to help and promote the future of South African tennis continues next week with an exhibition match with compatriot Lloyd Harris in Soweto.

Anderson has made himself available to Harris should he require support of any kind.

”Anytime Lloyd wants advice from my experiences I am more than happy to share them.”

Anderson, who was ranked as high as fifth at last year's Australian Open, endured a torrid second half of last year where injuries curtailed his tournament play. As a result, Anderson's ranking plummeted to its current 120th spot.

Welcome back to the tour 'Big Kev'. Tennis fans, especially South African ones, have missed you!