Kevin Anderson always has been dangerous because of his huge serve.
He wasn’t always efficient and consistent with the serve, however. That has led to an inconsistent career.
But all of a sudden, Anderson looks like a world beater. Not only does the 6-6 South African have his serve under control, he’s squaring up, dropping low and pounding forehands to all corners of the court with amazing consistency.
And opponents can’t take the Anderson backhand for granted, either.
ANDERSON HAS BECOME TOTAL POWER PLAYER
The result of all of this improvement is that Anderson has become a total power player, who will be playing for the $3.7 million first prize at the U.S. Open on Sunday. Beating 12th seed Pablo Carreno Busta in Friday’s semifinals already has assured Anderson of a $1,825,000 payday on Sunday.
Amazing stuff for a player seeded 28th at the start of this U.S. Open. Anderson is in a career-changing position. Just think of what $3.7 million could mean to any journeyman tennis professional. Remember, he’s 31 years old, and might not have many big paydays left.
RAFA WON’T TAKE BIG FELLOW FOR GRANTED
Rafa Nadal surely won’t take this tall fellow for granted in Sunday’s final. He’s too dangerous.
Fans never have paid any great amount of attention to Anderson. Just watch his serving for a few games, and you’ve seen Kevin Anderson.
That was before this U.S. Open.
Whatever happens on Sunday, Anderson is certain to be in the center of attention when 2018 starts in January in Australian. Playing closer to home, and still on hard courts, Anderson could be a player to watch out for early in 2018.
ANDERSON MADE IT HAPPEN THROUGH HARD WORK
“It’s very tough coming from South Africa, far from the (tennis) scene,” Anderson said. “It makes me feel good that I can hopefully fly the flag and show kids, especially, that if you work hard, you can get there.”
Obviously, Anderson is a hard worker. To become the player he has been at this U.S. Open doesn’t just happen by itself. He has made it happen through hard work.
It’s late in the game, but not too late for Kevin Anderson.
James Beck is the long-time tennis columnist for the Charleston (S.C.) Post and Courier newspaper. He can be reached at Jamesbecktennis@gmail.com. See his Post and Courier columns at
