Johannesburg, South Africa – South African tennis ace, Kevin Anderson is at his highest ever world ever ranking of 14 after reaching the final of the AEGON Championships at the famed Queens Club in London on the weekend losing to world number 3 Andy Murray in Sundays final.
Tennis South Africa (TSA) applauded the “gentle giant” of South African tennis for breaking into the world’s top 15 and reaching his 10th ATP final. The national tennis body also congratulated Raven Klaasen, the country’s top ranked doubles player (ranked 25) for winning the coveted Gerry Webber Open at Halle in Germany with new American partner Rajeev Ram also on Sunday. The win in Halle was Klaasen’s 7th career doubles title and his first with Ram.
There was also confirmation from TSA that Kevin Anderson had made himself available to play Davis Cup for his country on condition that there is a contribution toward his teams expenses. As much as TSA would love Anderson to be included in the line-up for their crucial upcoming tie vs Ireland at Pretoria’s Irene Country Club from 17 to 19 of July, they are unable to cover the costs that Kevin Anderson requires to play and are urgently seeking a sponsor to assist them cover costs.
Anderson needs to make himself available for Davis Cup duty this year and next in order to qualify for the Rio Olympics. Anderson has made himself available subject to his expenses being covered.
“We have until 10 days before the tie to name our team to play Ireland according to Davis Cup rules and are doing all we can to secure a sponsor for Kevin to secure him as part of the team ” confirmed Gavin Crookes, President and acting CEO of TSA.
The last time Anderson wore the green and gold was against Croatia in Potchefstroom in 2011.
TSA appealed to corporate South Africa to contact their offices should any interested sponsor be willing to invest into Kevin Anderson and Davis Cup.
Regardless of whether a sponsor could be sealed, signed and secured, Anderson has voiced his commitment to his country of birth South Africa and TSA have said they will support Anderson and agree to sanction Anderson to play in next year’s Olympics.
PICTURES FOR FREE EDITORIAL USE:
Kevin/Kevin1: Kevin Anderson in action at the AEGON Championships 2015.
Picture credit: Jordan Mansfield Getty Images