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'I will continue playing as a South African for the rest of my career‚' says Kevin Anderson

South Africa's Kevin Anderson returns to Serbia's Novak Djokovic in their men's singles final match on the thirteenth day of the 2018 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 15, 2018.
South Africa's Kevin Anderson returns to Serbia's Novak Djokovic in their men's singles final match on the thirteenth day of the 2018 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 15, 2018.
Image: AFP PHOTO / Glyn KIRK

Wimbledon losing finalist Kevin Anderson has reiterated that he will continue playing as a South African for the rest of his career.

The big serving Anderson‚ who lost 6-2‚ 6-2‚ 7-6 (7/3) to Novak Djokovic in the final at the All England Club on Sunday‚ has dual South African and US passports but has once again committed his loyalty to South Africa.

“Yes‚ I am going to play as a proud South African for the rest of my career‚” he told Jacaranda FM in an interview on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old Anderson‚ who was born in Johannesburg and is married to an American Kelsey O'Neal who runs his day-to-day activities‚ has spent most of his adult life and professional career in America where he is based.

As a result of making it to this year's Wimbledon final‚ Anderson has climbed to a career high ranking of number 5 and he has set his sights on improving that position in future.

“It has taken a bit longer than I would have liked to be in the top five but I am happy to be in this position‚" he said.

"Now it’s an opportunity to realign my goals and I believe that if I continue the way I am going at the moment there is no reason why I should not get my ranking even more higher."

Anderson caused a major upset on his way to the final by beating fancied Roger Federer in the quarter-final. He then outlasted John Isner in a marathon six hours and 35 minutes semi-final in a match that proved to be second-longest match in Wimbledon history.

“Beating Federer was a huge step forward in my career‚" he said.

"The victory allowed me to play the kind of tennis that I can play.

"I proved to myself that I can beat him and it gave me a lot of confidence.

"I got to the final but unfortunately lost and I hope that I will be back next time and play a better match.”

South African tennis player grinds his way to Wimbledon final by showing true grit and determination. Source: Reuters / Wimbeldon

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