Anderson Defeats John Isner in College Rematch for the Ages
July 13, 2018 | Men's Tennis, Varsity I
In the longest Wimbledon semifinals in Open Era history, Kevin Anderson advances to his first Wimbledon finals Friday afternoon.
ESPN Story | ATP Story | Illini On Tour | Kevin Anderson Wimbledon Bio | Results | Match Point Video
LONDON – Former Illini All-American, Kevin Anderson, defeated American and former Georgia Bulldog, John Isner, 7-6(6), 6-7 (5), 6-7(6), 6-4, 26-24 to reach the Wimbledon Singles Final on Friday afternoon. The win marks Anderson's first appearance in a Wimbledon final and second Grand Slam event final.
Match Notes
- The first Grand Slam and Wimbledon semifinal contested between two college players since 1996 when Michigan Wolverine Malivai Washington defeated Northwestern Wildcat Todd Martin.
- Anderson is the first college player since Michigan Wolverine Malivai Washington to make a Wimbledon Finals.
- This marked the longest semifinals in Wimbledon history since 1877 at 6 hours, 36 minutes.
- Also cements Anderson's 300th tour-level victory of his career.
- After 12 meetings, Anderson scored his first victory against Isner since the Delray Beach Open semifinals in 2012.
- Anderson is the first South African since Brian Norton to advance to a Wimbledon Final, marking 97 years since this achievement.
- The South African has now reached two grand slam finals, with the first last year at the U.S. Open.
Social Reaction
"Anderson vs Isner, a Wimbledon classic - you better believe it"
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 13, 2018
A Centre Court epic ends with @KAndersonATP going through to the #Wimbledon final, beating John Isner 7-6(6), 6-7(5), 6-7(9), 6-4, 26-24 pic.twitter.com/Fv4ww2cEzK
Knock off No. 1 Roger Federer ?
— ESPN (@espn) July 13, 2018
Advance to the finals after a 6+ hour match ?@Wimbledon champion ? pic.twitter.com/jsy3qdK7J1
A moment that will last a lifetime ??
— ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) July 13, 2018
Kevin Anderson wins the longest semi-final in #Wimbledon history (since 1877) to earn the 300th tour-level victory of his career ????.
Match Report ?? https://t.co/OfYushwtC0 pic.twitter.com/xvDBuc7T4t
Anderson Wins!!! @KAndersonATP advances to the #Wimbledon Final! What a match from the former #Illini! https://t.co/xi53xL85zd
— Illini Athletics (@IlliniAthletics) July 13, 2018
Can't wait to see what the former @IlliniMTennis standout has in store for the @Wimbledon final. https://t.co/b9YptexGHk
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) July 13, 2018
??????????
— ITA Tennis (@ITA_Tennis) July 13, 2018
What. A. Match.
In the longest semi-final in #wimbledon history @KAndersonATP has defeated @JohnIsner to advance to his 2nd #Grandslam final appearance. #Wimbledon | @IlliniMTennis #CollegeTennis pic.twitter.com/sy1eo25N5C
Truly what an incredible performance by two all-time college tennis greats @KAndersonATP and @JohnIsner. Representing college tennis to a pinnacle level. #GoToCollege @IlliniMTennis @UGAtennis
— Aron Hiltzik (@AronHiltzik) July 13, 2018
MARATHON WINNER: #illini great Kevin Anderson outlasts 9 seed John Isner in 7-hour match to advance to Wimbledon final
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) July 13, 2018
READ: https://t.co/dqu9of1MIF pic.twitter.com/4hn4uDfm8x
Kevin Anderson to the #Wimbledon final with a 26-24 win over John Isner! Second grand slam final for the former #Illini.
— Craig Choate WCIA (@craigwchoate) July 13, 2018
Anderson will face either No. 2 seed Rafael Nadal of Spain or No. 12 seed Serbian Novak Djokovic in the final on Sunday.
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