2018 REPORT CARD: Kevin Anderson made breakthrough despite advancing years
We assess Kevin Anderson’s season which, despite him being 32-years-old, can probably be described as a breakthrough.
Grand Slams
Anderson had a brilliant and memorable run at Wimbledon, where he reached the final.
It was the second Grand Slam final of his career, although in truth it was more remembered for his durability rather than anything else.
The South African had two marathon matches in SW19, first against Roger Federer in the quarter-finals and then against John Isner in the semis.
He was quite soundly beaten in the final by Novak Djokovic, but fatigue unquestionably played a big part.
The other Slams were far less of a success, though.
He was given a tough draw at the Australian Open, running into Kyle Edmund in the first round – and losing.
At the US Open and French Open, he couldn’t get past the round of 16.
Other achievements
Anderson enjoyed a very fruitful season in 2018, claiming two titles in Vienna and New York.
That said, the ATP 500 Vienna was his highest ranking title of the two.
He did reach the semi-finals of Masters-level events in Madrid and Canada, and the quarter-finals at Indian Wells, Miami, and Shanghai, though.
His ATP Tour Finals performance, where he reached the last four, added into the mix, as well as finals in Acapulco and Pune, make it a very decent season for Anderson.
Consistency
Consistency has probably been the biggest difference-maker for Anderson this season.
He won 71.2% of his matches, a statistic that only six other players on the ATP Tour can better.
He has gone deep into tournaments on a regular basis too, so you have to give the big man credit.
World ranking
Anderson started the season ranked 14th in the world, so finishing it at number 6 is testament to the breakthrough campaign he has enjoyed.
Whether sixth in the world proves to be his ceiling or not, especially given the quality above him, remains to be one of the most intriguing questions of 2019.
Overall
Anderson has had a breakthrough season and you can’t deny it.
He didn’t manage to join the Grand Slam club, but he came close and found a greater level of consistency.
Did he overachieve? 2019 will answer that question in good time.
More from Tennis365:
Latest
-
News‘Time for next generation’ – Judy Murray planning to step back from tennis roles
The Scot will be at the cinch Championships at Queen’s Club this week to support sons Andy and Jamie.
-
NewsAndy Murray felt ‘a bit jealous’ watching Djokovic and Nadal at French Open
Murray faces France’s Benoit Paire on Tuesday at the Cinch Championships.
-
NewsAndy Murray issues less than certain fitness report ahead of his return to action
Andy Murray set for singles return, but not 100%.
-
NewsExclusive – Greg Rusedski on the big question Andy Murray has to answer this week
Greg Rusedski believes Andy Murray has one big question to answer.
-
ATP TourWATCH: Boy goes berserk after Novak Djokovic gifts racket to him as thanks for ‘coaching’ him during match
“He was coaching me, literally,” says Novak Djokovic.
-
News‘I’ll keep on going. I’ll keep on chasing,’ says Novak Djokovic as he sets his sights on history
World No 1 will bid for a sixth title at the All England Club and third in a row.
-
French Open‘People like her make you come alive’ – Stefanos Tsitsipas’ poignant tribute to his grandmother who died minutes before final
“This is entirely dedicated to her, and only her.”
-
NewsThings we learned from French Open as Novak Djokovic dominates, Naomi Osaka prompts mental health talks
It was an eventful fortnight in Paris.
-
Kevin PalmerExclusive – Greg Rusedski says Roger Federer was disrespectful to pull out of French Open
Roger Federer pulled out of the French Open.
-
NewsNovak Djokovic admits ‘everything is possible’ as he chases Golden Slam to crown his legacy
Djokovic is targeting victories at Wimbledon and US Open as well as a gold medal at Tokyo Games.