Former Wimbledon finalist Kevin Anderson announces retirement from tennis.

By Lehlohonolo Lehana.

Kevin Anderson announced his retirement on social media, ending a 15-year professional career that saw him climb to No. 5 in the ATP Rankings, win seven ATP Tour titles and reach two Grand Slam finals.

The big-serving South African, who stands 6-foot-8 and towered over his opponents, achieved a career high ranking of fifth in the world in 2018 before sliding out of the top 100 following a succession of knee, shoulder and ankle injuries.

“I’ve experienced so many different challenges and emotions, this sport can be exhilarating and at the same time lonely. I’ve had ups and downs, but I wouldn’t change it for anything,” he said in a statement on Twitter.

“My journey helped me become the man who I am today. Today I finally arrived at the difficult decision to retire from professional tennis.

“As a kid, my dad used to tell me that success isn’t defined by results, but by the effort and sacrifice you make along the way in becoming the best you can be. I gave it my best.”

Having come through the U.S. college system, Anderson turned professional in 2007. He came close to winning a Grand Slam twice, losing the U.S. Open final in 2017 and the Wimbledon final in 2018 to Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic respectively.

Anderson has reached notable highs in the sport, including becoming the top African in ATP Rankings history (since 1973) and competing in the Nitto ATP finals in 2018. He struggled with various injuries later in his career, but overcame them to soar to his greatest heights, including runs to the final of the US Open in 2017 and Wimbledon in 2018.

The 35-year-old remained competitive until his retirement, lifting an ATP Tour trophy last July in Newport. His final match came in March at the Miami Open presented by Itau.

Off the court, Anderson received the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award in 2019 and was a longtime member of the ATP Player Council, on which he is currently President.

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