Share

Beaten Anderson's message to younger generation is be resilient

London - South African Kevin Anderson says his modus operandi in life is to pick himself up and try and rebound from "tougher moments", just like the 2018 Wimbledon finalist experienced on Friday, bowing out in the third round to Argentina's Guido Pella.

The 33-year-old, who lost to Novak Djokovic in last year's final after a marathon semi-final with John Isner, says his attitude would serve those in the 'NextGen' as an example.

Anderson, whose season has been affected by an elbow injury, was never allowed to impose himself on the match with Pella playing some sublime tennis to win 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4).

"There's been a lot of disappointments, ups and downs, a lot of positives, too," said Anderson.

"I think I've always done a really good job of getting stronger from the tougher moments. I think that's a strength of mine.

"I've had that since a little kid. I work really hard. I keep pushing myself."

Anderson said despite the lows down the years he had never thought of walking away.

"I mean, that desire is always there for me. In my whole life, I've never felt a day where I've wanted to stop playing or anything," he said.

Anderson said it was hard for the younger generation when the 'big three' of Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are so dominant.

That trio, plus Andy Murray on two occasions, have won the Wimbledon title every year since Lleyton Hewitt triumphed in 2002. 

"They know what it's like playing on centre courts week in, week out at the Grand Slams," said Anderson.

"They know what it's like being in the semis, in the finals.

"That sort of experience just keeps on compounding because nobody else is really having nearly as many opportunities because of those guys."

Anderson, who was beaten by Nadal in the 2017 US Open final, said it is hard to gain that big match winning experience.

"Nobody can simulate what it feels like going out and playing the finals of a Grand Slam, semis and finals," he said.

"There's only been a few players actually to experience that over the last while, significantly less than any of those guys."

Pella, who will play in the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career, was in control from the outset and a fine performance was summed up in an astonishing point at 5-4 in the tie-break.

The duo exchanged several volleys at the net before the 26th seed put it away, sinking to his knees and letting out a roar of delight.

"The penultimate point it was unbelievable," enthused Pella.

"One of those days that the point belonged to me.

"I was so tight serving for the match at 5-4 (in the tie-break) and that released me."

The 29-year-old served out the match to send the fourth seeded South African packing and will play 2016 finalist Milos Raonic for a place in the quarter-finals.

"I don't know how to describe this," gasped Pella, who had never gone beyond the third round of a Grand Slam tournament in seven years.

"I played an unbelievable three sets.

"In the third he played much better but in the end I was focussed."

As for his incredible improvement this year which has seen him rise into the top 30 with his highest ever ranking Pella said it was all in the head.

"My mind is in the right place," he said. "I am playing much more aggressive than previous years.

"You gain confidence when you win matches, you play every point like it was the last and fight for every point.

"Being in the second week is unbelievable."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE