2017 Us Open brings another past 30 years of age player in front of the cameras as Kevin Anderson from South Africa has reached his first ever Grand Slam semifinal. Backing a solid service game with a complete baseline strategy, he was able to dig deeper than ever in New York and will now face Pablo Carreno-Busta (another unexpected name for a Grand Salm semifinal) for a place in the big final of next Sunday.
But, for Anderson, 31, it's been a tough road especially after being forced to cope with some lingering injuries throughout the past few years.
Staying healthy has been a solid foundation for the former top 10 player and he can aim really big at 2017 US Open. Getting past Sam Querrey in the quarterfinals was the biggest test of this tournament and he did great surpassing the 29-year-old American favorite.
Anderson topped Querrey in four sets
To secure a spot in the semis, Kevin Anderson had to deal with a tricky opponent as Sam Querrey, United States No. 1 loomed in his quarter of the draw. Seeded 17th in New York, Querrey had dropped a single set en route to the quarterfinals. The same stats went for Anderson. Well-aware of their style of play, it was no surprise factor that their encounter produced three tie-breaks.
Anderson went on winning the inaugural act at the end of a set that didn't have a single break opportunity.
As expected, Sam Querrey bounced back to clinch the next one converting his eighth set point he had. Moving into the third set, the 28th seed from South Africa broke the pattern clinching the set by 6-3. The fourth set was decided also on a tie-break as no break points opportunities emerged. It was Anderson who dominated the tie-break and despite failing to seal the deal when the chance occurred he kept his calm converting the second chance after saving a set point too.
Kevin Anderson will face Pablo Carreno-Busta
The bottom half of the draw delivered one shock after another. As all top-seeded players went down, it was the perfect opportunity for some less known names to emerge at the surface. And Pablo Carreno Busta is eager to seize the day as he got past Diego Schwartzman in straight sets securing a spot in the semis.
He will face Kevin Anderson for a third time having lost their previous two ATP level clashes. The winner of this encounter will make his first Grand Slam final. From the other side of the draw, Nadal or Federer is the safest bet to make as they are on a collision course for the semis.
