Tennis South Africa (TSA) has been made aware of an article published yesterday (Sunday) entitled – “Kevin Anderson is no patriot.”
A link to the article can be found at: https://www.sport24.co.za/Tennis/Wimbledon/kevin-anderson-is-no-patriot-20180721
The article appears to have sparked much debate on social media, and in the wider local tennis community. While TSA respects the right of the author to voice his opinion, our view is somewhat different.
We re-iterate our statement of a week ago, which can be found at: http://www.tennissa.co.za/w/blog/surfing-the-wimbledon-player-wave- Especially the comments from the TSA CEO, about Kevin –
“His 2018 Wimbledon was so much more than the final – it was a fortnight of magnificent performances, extreme physical endurance and displays of awesome mental strength. However perhaps most impressive were his post-match interviews, in which he displayed his integrity, sportsmanship and humanity. He is an incredible ambassador for our sport. My view that TSA did not do enough to support him earlier in his career is well documented. My opinion on this remains unchanged and as a Federation we are trying to learn the lessons from the past and put in place a more comprehensive programme to support our elite junior players and rising stars.”
Meanwhile, the KIA South Africa Davis Cup Captain, Marcos Ondruska, has also provided his perspective:
“There are many ways to contribute and add value as a South African. The question that we should be asking is whether there is a greater benefit to having Kevin be #5 in the world and growing awareness to our sport in South Africa in all the ways he does, or is it better to have him ranked #50, and is playing Davis Cup... My love for the game and experience over the years tells me that the former situation certainly packs a bigger punch than the latter. The profile of the sport is raised, and it gives our young players something tangible to strive for. They see that it is possible, and more kids come out to play.”
"I don’t think most people understand the relentless lifestyle that goes into being the 5th best player on the planet. It is an all absorbing self-sacrificing endeavour, in which there can be no compromise. Every choice has to be geared towards being better, otherwise you’re not and the others are. Scheduling is certainly one of the important aspects of this rigour. Kevin has a real shot at being #1. He should go for it. Tennis in South Africa would benefit immensely from an achievement like that.”
“I’ve known Kevin since his early days on tour. While I don’t travel with him and call on a day to day basis. I would consider us friends. Not once has Kevin said he does not want to play Davis Cup. He’s always been open to the idea. It was and is still based on his pursuit of his career and when the opportunities line up scheduling wise.”