TEMPE, Ariz. – Former Fighting Illini men's tennis star Kevin Anderson is set to be inducted into the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Men's Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026, the ITA announced on Monday.Â
Anderson is one of five members of the Class of 2026 and is the second Illini to earn that prestigious distinction, joining coach Craig Tiley, who was inducted in 2010.
"Kevin was, and always will be, the ultimate professional," said head coach Brad Dancer, who coached Anderson at Illinois. "His mind is fixated on the details that can make him his best. That spirit carried over to his teammates in college, and he was a tremendous leader by example. Kevin's passion for the Illini continues as he plays an mentorship role to the student-athletes on our squad. Huge congrats to Kevin on this prestigious honor."
A native of South Africa, Anderson competed at Illinois from 2004-07, winning the 2006 NCAA doubles title (with Ryan Rowe) and earning All-America honors in each of his three seasons at Illinois. In addition to winning a national doubles title, Anderson reached the NCAA singles semi-finals and doubles final in 2007, while leading the Illini team to a national runner-up finish.
Anderson was a three-time First-Team All-Big Ten selection and the 2007 Big Ten Tennis Athlete of the Year. He was named the Fighting Illini Dike Eddleman Male Athlete of the Year in 2007.Â
Turning pro following his junior season, Anderson climbed as high as No. 5 in the world in singles and No. 58 in doubles. He became the first Fighting Illini alum to advance to the singles final at a Grand Slam, which he earned at the U.S. Open in 2017.
Across his 16-year professional career, he won seven singles titles and one doubles title, while he reached the finals at two Grand Slams: the 2017 U.S. Open and 2018 Wimbledon.
Anderson is joined in the Class of 2026 by former players John Isner and Steve Johnson, coach Manny Diaz, and contributor John Frierson. The Class of 2026 Hall of Fame induction will take place prior to the NCAA Division I Team Championships at the University of Georgia in May 2026.
The ITA Men's Hall of Fame inducted its first class in 1983 and has since inducted more than 270 players, coaches, and contributors. Players are eligible for election to the Hall of Fame 10 years after the conclusion of their participation on a team and once they are no longer playing on the pro tour. Coaches are eligible immediately following retirement. The main criteria for election includes college accomplishments and honors earned after college.
