Celebrating Kevin Anderson

CELEBRATING KEVIN ANDERSON

Earlier this month, Old Stithian, Kevin Anderson formally announced his retirement from professional tennis.  He did this in a heartfelt statement that can be read on his social media pages. https://www.facebook.com/KAndersonATP

"I don’t remember a time in my life when I wasn’t playing tennis. I started on the journey 30 years ago when my Dad put a racquet in my hands and told me if I was willing to work hard, I could be one of the best players in the world. Since then, tennis carried me far beyond my roots in Johannesburg, South Africa and truly gave me the world. I’ve experienced 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.

Today I finally arrived at the difficult decision to retire from professional tennis. There are so many people who helped me along the way, and believed that a kid from South Africa could achieve his dreams. Thank you Mum and Dad - I am eternally grateful for the countless hours you spent coaching me, the sacrifices you made, but most importantly the belief in me the whole way. I wouldn’t be here today without either of you. My brother, Greg, you have been there by my side every step of the way. My whole family in SA and beyond, there was never a moment I didn’t feel your love and your support.

To my amazing wife, Kelsey, I couldn’t have found somebody more supportive than you. You are there for me through everything, I can’t wait to take on the next chapter with you as we raise our beautiful daughter together.

Thank you Jay Bosworth for the selfless commitment you gave me. You are a coach, mentor and most importantly a friend.

Thank you to The University of Illinois who played a big role helping me make the transition from juniors to pros. Thank you to all my teammates, coaches and the entire Illinois tennis community.

I’ve learned from so many people along the way. I’m extremely grateful for the incredible coaches, agents, physios, fitness trainers, mental coaches who helped me maximize my potential and really achieve my dreams over the years.

I’d like to thank all my sponsors. Especially Dunlop/Srixon; it has been an honor for me to be part of your family Dunlop Tennis.

Thank you to all the fans who watched, cheered and have been there for me along the way. I will always appreciate the outpouring of support you showed me.

I am so thankful for the wonderful things that have come my way purely because I was a part of this sport. As a kid, my Dad used to tell me that success isn’t defined by results, but by the effort and sacrifice you make along the way in becoming the best you can be.

I gave it my best."

Kevin spent 7 years at St Stithians excelling in a variety of sports before leaving at the age of 15 to study in America to further his tennis opportunities and to follow his dream of one day playing on the professional circuit – a dream which he realised with great hard work and determination. The Saints Family has enjoyed watching Kevin’s career which includes such highlights as reaching Grand Slam finals in consecutive years at the 2017 US Open and 2018 Wimbledon and a career high of Top 5 in the ATP World rankings making him South Africa’s highest ranking tennis player along with Kevin Curran.  His epic Wimbledon semi-final win against John Isner, which lasted an incredible 6 hours and 36 minutes, will live in our memory for a long time to come.

In his professional career, Kevin has endeared himself to the fans with his humility, determination and dedication.His peers regularly commend his sportsmanlike nature, and it would be fair to say that Kevin has well and truly earned the respect of the tennis world - both with his game and his personality. In 2020 he was voted in as President of the ATP Players Council. We are incredibly proud of Kevin and his many achievements and wish him well as he moves into this new phase of his life.

We share with you some of the pics of Kevin as a young Stithian, press clippings predicting his inevitable success and some photos of him on just some of his many visits back to Saints where he could often be seen practising on our courts or inspiring our students.  His Mother Barbara is a special part of our Saints family and a regular visitor to our Campus, whether it be walking our beautiful grounds or as a special guest on calendar high days and we look forward to continuing to welcome them into the future.

Congratulations to Kevin from #OneAndAll at St Stithians for Inspiring Excellence and for Making a World of Difference.  #OnceASaintAlwaysASaint

#PurposeInspired #PassionDriven #StrongerOneAndAll