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CHICAGO - Former Illini All-American Kevin Anderson put together another stellar tournament showing at the Laver Cup held Sept. 21-23 in Chicago's United Center. With the support of Illini Nation, Anderson captured one doubles and two singles points to contribute to Team World's team total.
"There are so many people that work so hard to pull out an event like this, said head coach Brad Dancer. For former Illinois Men's Tennis coach Craig (Tiley) to be one of the big leaders of that group is pretty cool due to his connection to the university."
Currently No. 9 in the ATP rankings, Anderson faced familiar faces from this year's Wimbledon tournament. In match 4, Anderson and his partner Jack Sock (USA) clinched a victory over tennis superstars, Novak Djokovic (SRB) / Roger Federer (SUI). Team World dropped the first set but bounced back to win the match 6-7(5), 6-3, 10-6. Match 7 of the tournament provided a Wimbledon final rematch between Anderson and Wimbledon champion, No. 3 Djokovic. Anderson defeated Djokovic 7-6(5), 5-7, 10-6.
Obviously for Kevin (Anderson) to represent the world team the way that he did was impressive, noted Dancer. "He helped the team get their own point on Friday and bought the team back into the match on Saturday. Had he lost to (Novak) Djokovic, it would have been done and over for Team World."
In a hard-fought final match, Anderson fell short to No. 5 ranked Alexander Zverev (GER). The German defeated Anderson 6-7(3), 7-5, 10-7 to help Team Europe seize their second consecutive Laver Cup title, 13-8.
"I know he is disappointed in today because he had a chance to win, but it was still an awesome atmosphere, said Dancer. "The Illinois support that Kevin received from Chicago all weekend long was extra special and something that Kevin (Anderson) will never forget."
In the News
Player and Fan Support - And Late Rally - Set Up Exciting Laver Cup Finale
BBC – Laver Cup: Kevin Anderson gains revenge over Novak Djokovic
ESPN – Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic lose doubles match to Kevin Anderson and Jack Sock
Tennis Channel – Laver Cup Day 2 Blog: Federer Tops Kyrgios; Anderson Begins World Run
Laver Cup – Red Alert: Anderson Takes Out Djokovic
Tennis Channel – Laver Cup Day 1 Blog: Goffin & Schwartzman Thrill; Sock's Double Duty
Laver Cup – The World Strikes Back: Sock and Anderson Win Doubles
Road to Final Round
Match 4 | Anderson (RSA) / Jack Sock (USA) def. Novak Djokovic (SRB) / Roger Federer (SUI) 6-7(5), 6-3, 10-6
Match 7 | def. No. 3 Novak Djokovic (SRB) 7-6(5), 5-7, 10-6
Match 11 | fell to No. 5 Alexander Zverev (GER) 7-6(3), 5-7, 7-10
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