Anderson Re-ignites Illini Nation with Wimbledon Run
July 15, 2018 | Men's Tennis, Varsity I
Former Illini All-American, Kevin Anderson, finishes runner-up at his first Wimbledon finals Sunday morning.
Post-final Interview | Final Main Draw | Results
LONDON – After two weeks, seven matches and 182 aces, Kevin Anderson's historic run at the 2018 Wimbledon Championships came to an end Sunday morning. From London to Champaign, Illini Nation rallied around Anderson as three-time Wimbledon champion and No. 12 seed Nadal Djokovic topped the former Illini All-American 2-6, 2-6, 6-7(3). This marks Anderson's second runner-up finish at a Grand Slam finals, his first being at the 2017 US Open.
Tournament Notes
- Anderson is the first South African since Brian Norton to advance to a Wimbledon Final, marking 97 years since this achievement.
- The former Illini has now reached two grand slam finals, becoming the second South African to reach multiple grand slam finals.
- The former Illini All-American is the first college player since 1996 when Michigan Wolverine Malivai Washington to make a Wimbledon Finals.
- After his Wimbledon runner-up finish, Anderson will climb to a career-best No. 5 in the ATP rankings.
- The South African native is the first player to break Roger Federer's serve since Czech player, Tomas Berdych, in last year's Wimbledon semifinals.
- This year's matchup against John Isner marked the longest semifinals in Wimbledon history since 1877 at 6 hours, 36 minutes.
- Holds the record for the most games played at a single championship with 332 at the 2018 Wimbledon Championships.
- Anderson and Isner participated in the first Grand Slam and Wimbledon semifinal between two college players since Michigan Wolverine Malivai Washington defeated Northwestern Wildcat Todd Martin in 1996.
- Anderson's semifinals win marked his 300th tour-level victory of his career.
- Scored his first victories against Roger Federer and Gael Monfils.
- Anderson hit 182 aces during his seven-match run at Wimbledon.
In the News
Chicago Tribune – 8 things to know about Kevin Anderson, Illinois alumnus who lost Wimbledon final
ESPN – Anderson-Isner marathon more validation to implement final-set tiebreaker
For The Win – Kevin Anderson gave classy interview after winning 6-hour Wimbledon semifinal
Wimbledon – Anderson humble, compassionate and tired
Chicago Sun Times – Ex-Illini star Anderson advances to Wimbledon Final after longest match ever
ITA Tennis – Anderson And Isner Put College Tennis In Spotlight With Epic Wimbledon Semifinal
ESPN – On to the next one: Kevin Anderson staying cool after Roger Federer upset
Road to Finals
Round 1 | def. Norbert Gombos (SVK) 6-3, 6-4, 6-4
Round 2 | def. Andreas Seppi (ITA) 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4
Round 3 | def. No. 25 Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 6-3, 7-5, 7-5
Round 4 | def. Gael Monfils (FRA) 7-6(4), 7-6(2), 5-7, 7-6(4)
Quarterfinals | def. No. 1 Roger Federer (SUI) 2-6, 6-7(5), 7-5, 6-4, 13-11
Semifinals | def. No. 9 John Isner (USA) 7-6(6), 6-7(5), 6-7(9), 6-4, 26-24
Final | fell to No. 12 Novak Djokovic (SRB), 2-6, 2-6, 6-7(3)
Social Reactions
I sound repetitive. @KAndersonATP never gives in. Way to battle kevdog #illini https://t.co/CsTYIx2r35
— brad dancer (@dancerbrad) July 11, 2018
My miracle man! ?? https://t.co/BpqhMKy6MB
— Kelsey Anderson (@KelseyOAnderson) July 11, 2018
23 hours and 20 minutes spent on court. Memories to last a lifetime.
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 15, 2018
Congratulations on a fantastic Championship, @KAndersonATP ??#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/6C7T0uv9dz
Thank you @KAndersonATP for taking #Illini Nation on your incredible run at #Wimbledon! ?????? pic.twitter.com/6FuShLCWya
— Illini M Tennis (@IlliniMTennis) July 15, 2018
"I'd have given another 21 hours to have the opportunity to play out here - it really meant a lot to me"
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 15, 2018
Touching words from our 2018 runner-up Kevin Anderson ??#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/5XEPdItiQq
How about a big ?? for Kevin Anderson?
— ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) July 15, 2018
? Become first ???? man to reach #Wimbledon final since 1921
? Become second ???? man to advance to multiple Grand Slam finals
? Will climb to a career-best No. 5 in the #ATP Rankings pic.twitter.com/eihfgq8HDw
??????Congratulations @KAndersonATP for an incredible performance at the #Wimbledon. We are very proud of you! #collegetennis | @IlliniMTennis pic.twitter.com/N8bKUeh0Bs
— ITA Tennis (@ITA_Tennis) July 15, 2018
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— ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) July 13, 2018
With his marathon victory at @Wimbledon, Anderson notches his 300th match win ??#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/03TmW6ZK7U
Thank you John for being an incredible sportsman and friend. It's an honour to share this piece of history with you. #wimbledon pic.twitter.com/ptdLEAUp78
— Kevin Anderson (@KAndersonATP) July 13, 2018
All my respect to Roger. It was an honour to share the court with you. Thanks to all the fans for your support and nice messages. ?? #wimbledon pic.twitter.com/apLrbh0yU1
— Kevin Anderson (@KAndersonATP) July 11, 2018
He's #B1G, and he just took down No. 1.
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) July 11, 2018
Congrats to the former @IlliniMTennis star. https://t.co/uT57xAxzA0
Well done @DjokerNole on winning your fourth #Wimbledon Championship! And congratulations @KAndersonATP on a great tournament #WimbledonFinal pic.twitter.com/Mdszj6y1AS
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) July 15, 2018
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