SA tennis events paying dividends
13 March 2008
South African Tennis Association CEO Ian Smith, speaking after Kevin Anderson reached the final of the ATP Tour's Tennis Channel Open in Las Vegas, said the 21-year-old's performance showed the value of staging local tennis tournaments.
Despite his 6-4, 4-6, 3-6 loss to American Sam Querry on 9 March, Anderson became the first South African to reach an ATP final since Wesley Moodie won in Tokyo in October 2005.
His strong showing saw him rise to a career-high ranking up 121, up from 175.
New SA number one
Anderson's rise means he has supplanted Rik de Voest, currently at 135, as the highest ranked South African singles player.
"It is so important that our players get the opportunity to play at home in front of their own crowds and be able to accumulate vital ATP ranking points in their own country," Smith said.
"Kevin had the opportunity to play against some of the best in the world at the recent SAA Tennis Open in East London, where we had players such as former world number three Ivan Ljubicic, Stefan Koubek, Thomas Johansson and Jonas Bjorkman.
"Traveling is very expensive, and it takes a lot of pressure off players if they can garner points at home."
SAA sponsorship success
Smith said South African Airways should be congratulated for their help in rebuilding the game in South Africa. "Thanks to them we were able to have this R875 000 challenger, and will be hopefully looking at a full ATP Tournament in the near future, and a couple of Challengers and Futures events."
Anderson, meanwhile, said he had set himself a target to break into the top 100 this year, but was now hoping that could come sooner than expected. "I think that goal is definitely attainable a lot sooner than the end of the year.
"But still, to attain my ultimate goal of being in the top 10 in the world, it's going to take a lot more hard work. There are obviously some things I need to work hard at to compete with the very best of the game.
Las Vegas awesome
"This was an awesome week, but I still am extremely motivated to keep working."
The two-metre (6' 7") tall Anderson accomplished a rare feat by first qualifying for the main draw of a Tour event and then going on to reach the final.
His encouraging performance also boosts South Africa's hopes and chances in their upcoming away Davis Cup tie against Finland.
The Tennis Channel Open has a rich history, with its winners including John McEnroe, Andre Agassi, and former South African number one Wayne Ferreira in 1996.
SAinfo reporter
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