Kevin Anderson (tennis)
A gentle giant of tennis who used his towering serve to reach two Grand Slam finals and became the highest-ranked South African in decades.
Born 1986 (age 40)·South African tennis player·Birthday: May 18·Millennials
Biography
Kevin Anderson emerged from the sun-baked courts of South Africa not as a child prodigy, but as a dedicated student of the game who honed his craft at the University of Illinois. His professional journey was one of quiet persistence, his 6'8" frame delivering one of the most formidable serves on tour. Anderson's breakthrough was a testament to his work ethic, peaking in 2018 as the world No. 5, a ranking no South African had touched in over thirty years. His most memorable moments came in the cathedral of tennis, reaching the finals of the 2017 US Open and 2018 Wimbledon, where his powerful, sportsmanlike play won global respect. More than just a big server, he was a thoughtful presence on the ATP Player Council, advocating for the sport's future before retiring as one of his nation's most successful modern players.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Kevin was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kevin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Kevin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Reached a career-high world No. 5 ranking in July 2018, the first South African to be ranked that high since 1985.
- Was the runner-up at the 2017 US Open, defeating Pablo Carreño Busta in a semifinal delayed to the final Saturday.
- Finished as the runner-up at the 2018 Wimbledon Championships, losing to Novak Djokovic in the final.
- Won seven ATP Tour singles titles, including the 2019 Hall of Fame Open in Newport.
Did You Know?
He played collegiate tennis for the University of Illinois Fighting Illini, helping them win the 2006 NCAA team championship.
He served as President of the ATP Player Council from 2020 until his retirement.
He stands at 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm), one of the tallest players to ever reach a Grand Slam final.
He founded the Kevin Anderson Foundation, which focuses on youth development in South Africa.
“I've always tried to be the best competitor I can be, but also respect the game and my opponents.”
