8 Things You Didn’t Know About Kevin Anderson

Kevin Anderson was born on May 18, 1986. He is a former professional tennis player from South Africa. On July 16, 2018, he reached his career-high Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) rating of world No. 5.

If you are getting curious to know more about this talented man, then you may find these 8 unknown facts interesting

8 Things You Didn’t Know About Kevin Anderson

1. His Birth Place Is Johannesburg

He was born on May 18, 1986, in Johannesburg, South Africa, and began playing tennis at six. At the age of 17, he competed in his first professional event. ^[1]

2. Illino Sophomore

Anderson and partner Ryan Rowe won the NCAA men’s doubles championship in 2006 as an Illini sophomore, defeating Pepperdine’s Andre Begemann and Scott Doerner.

3. Gets Married In 2011

He married Kelsey O’Neal 2011, whom he met in Illinois in 2008. She was raised in Glenview and graduated from Glenbrook South High School. She went on to play golf at Illinois, where she was a three-year captain.

4. First South African Man To Play In Wimbledon Final

He is the first South African to compete in the Wimbledon final since Brian Norton in 1921. Despite his defeat, he is set to rise to No. 5 in the world, his highest ranking to date. ^[2]

5. First Player Of His College

Anderson is the first college player to reach the Wimbledon finals since Michigan’s Malivai Washington in 2008. Washington was defeated in the 1996 final by Richard Krzjicek. Anderson would become the first ex-college player to win a major since 1984 if he wins on Sunday. ^[3]

6. His Last Singles Match

He lost his last singles match as a lucky loser to Juan Manuel Cerundolo in three sets at the 2022 Miami Open.

7. Played Three Seasons Of College Tennis

Anderson attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign during three seasons of college tennis. He was a three-time singles All-American and a two-time doubles All-American.

8. Father Of A Baby Girl

Kevin Anderson and his wife Kelsey had their first child, a baby girl named Keira, on September 27. Anderson made the announcement on social media. ^[4]