South
Africa’s best tennis players are in action
this week at the Rome Masters, which is an ATP 1000 event.
SA No 1 Kevin Anderson and doubles specialist Raven Klaasen
both prepare with the hope of finding some glory as the European summer begins and
more importantly, they pursue the road which leads to the French Open.
Kevin Anderson has continued his good form as he stormed into the prestigious tournament after his first 2017
semi-final appearance in Estoril last week.
Anderson qualified
by knocking out local favourite Lucas Vanni 4-6 6-1 6-2.
He then cruised to a comfortable two-set victory over the
young American and next-generation contender Ernesto Escobedo.
Anderson showed his
level as a former top-10 player, as Escobedo is ranked 78, which is relatively
close to Anderson’s
current ranking of 63.
The tall South African has set up a meeting with 16th seed
Alexander Zverev on Tuesday.
Klaasen and his American partner Rajeev Ram are seeded sixth
at the event. After a tough draw in Madrid last
week, they suffered a devastating loss to the controversial Nick Kyrgios and
Jack Sock, who are ranked 16th and 14th respectively in singles.
This week does not look easier for the pair, as they are
likely to encounter Kyrgios again, as he has paired up with Fabio Fognini.
Fognini is considered to be one of a handful of players who
has the potential to beat the king of clay himself, Rafael Nadal.
However, the new duo Kyrgios/Fognini first have to get past
the doubles specialist pair of Oliver Marach of Austria
and Croatia’s
Mate Pavic.