A good year
Despite his earlier-than-hoped-for exit at Flushing Meadows, it’s still been a very good year for Anderson. He’s won an event and his record in the Grand Slams is good; he lost in a tight first round match in Australia, made the fourth round at Roland Garros, the final at Wimbledon and the last 16 at the US Open.
Money! Money! Money!
Anderson has earned over $3million this year (he picked over $250000 for making it to the fourth round at the US Open) and still has at least five tournaments on his schedule before the year ends. If he is able to make it to the ATP Finals in London, his earnings for 2018 could top $5million.
Will he be a master?
Anderson is currently ranked 7, on the ‘Road to London’ rankings, which totals all the points won in the calendar year, and after the Paris Masters at the start of November, the top eight players will play the ATP Finals. Unfortunately for Anderson all the players in close contention for top eight spots who are currently ranked around him, are still in contention in New York.
Kevin Anderson of South Africa hits a return to Jeremy Chardy of France during the third day of the US Open. Photo: Justin Lane/EPA
A bit of a wobble
Overall the US Open was not a great tournament for South Africa. Anderson’s exit comes on the back of a first round defeat for Lloyd Harris, who came through a pre-tournament qualifier, while doubles specialist Raven Klaasen and his partner Michael Venus lost in the second round. Philip Henning did win his first round match in the junior event though. Kgothatso Montjane lost in the quarter-finals of the womens wheelchair tournament.
Old faithful
As of yesterday, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal remained favourites to win the men’s tournament. Serena Williams had taken over as the womens favourite after she reached the quarter-finals for the 15th time.