2017 US Open finalist Kevin Anderson has called it a career. The 35-year-old South African announced his decision to retire from tennis on social media on Tuesday, calling his 15-year professional career the culmination of a childhood dream.
"I am so thankful for the wonderful things that have come my way purely because I was a part of this sport," Anderson wrote.
"As a kid, my dad used to tell me that success isn't defined by results, but by the effort and sacrifices you make along the way in becoming the best you can be. I gave it my best."
By reaching a career-high ranking of world No. 5 in 2018, Anderson was the first South African to crack the singles Top 5 on the ATP Tour in more than 30 years. He reached two Grand Slam finals in his career, in New York in 2017 and at Wimbledon in 2018, and won seven career ATP singles titles. He also reached the US Open quarterfinals in 2015.
Prior to playing professional tennis, Anderson played three seasons at the University of Illinois, where he was a three-time All-American in singles and two-time All-American in doubles.
"There are so many people who helped me along the way, and believed that a kid from South Africa could reach his dreams," Anderson added, thanking his parents and brother, Greg, his family in South Africa, his wife, Kelsey, and the Illnois athletics community.
"Tennis carried me far beyond my roots in Johannesburg, South Africa and truly gave me the world. I've experiences 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. My journey helped me become the man who I am today."
Anderson won his last career singles title last summer during the US Open Series by triumphing at the Hall of Fame Open on grass in Newport, R.I.
