Anderson now top African tennis player

By Nehanda Radio On Jul 16, 2018 16,357

South Africa’s Kevin Anderson has become the highest ranked African men’s singles player since the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) began their system in 1973 – by reaching number five in the latest world rankings.

South Africa's Kevin Anderson celebrates after beating Switzerland's Roger Federer 2-6, 6-7, 7-5, 6-4, 13-11 in their men's singles quarter-finals match on the ninth day of the 2018 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 11, 2018. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images) — South Africa’s Kevin Anderson celebrates after beating Switzerland’s Roger Federer 2-6, 6-7, 7-5, 6-4, 13-11 in their men’s singles quarter-finals match on the ninth day of the 2018 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 11, 2018. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images)

His latest position comes after he finished as Wimbledon runner-up on Sunday, losing in straight sets to Novak Djokovic in the final.

Black family defined Zim tennis

Apr 17, 2021 15,206

Djokovic wins fourth Wimbledon title and 13th major

Jul 16, 2018 11,161

Cara Black ponders future

Nov 6, 2014 910

Cara Black bags women’s doubles title

Sep 21, 2014 451

Prev Next 1 of 3

He moves ahead of his compatriot Wayne Ferreira, who was ranked at number six in 1995.

Kevin Curren also reached number five in the world shortly after he also finished as a Wimbledon runner-up in 1985, however he was competing as a US citizen after switching from South Africa earlier that year.

Amanda Coetzer is still the highest-ever ranked African, having reached number three in November 1997 (the Women’s Tennis Association – WTA – began their rankings in 1975).

There have been African number ones in doubles tennis including South Africa’s Frew McMillan, Zimbabwe’s Byron Black as well as his sister Cara Black.