Novak Djokovic will be playing Kevin Anderson in the 4th round of Wimbledon after defeating Bernard Tomic in straight sets. This means trouble. Kevin Anderson is having a career best year. He’s reached his highest ranking of his life (14) and holds a 25-14 win loss record this year (he’s also 7-1 on grass so far). He defeated French Open Champion Stan Wawrinka 7-6, 7-6 in the Aegon Championship and made it to the finals where he lost to champion Andy Murray (Andy Murray also edged Anderson at the Miami Open in 3 sets).

Anderson has posted his best Grand Slam results ever in his career in the last 16 months. He’s made the 4th round of the Australian Open (2014,2015), 4th round of the French Open (2014), 4th round of Wimbledon (2014,2015) and 3rd round of the US Open (2014).

On perhaps one of the fastest tennis courts in the world today, the 6’ 8’’ South African giant’s serve is a monster of a weapon. He’s won 78% of his 1st serve points this year and 53% of his 2nd serve points. But the most stunning statisticis that he’s saved 67% of his break points.

The problem with all big servers is that they struggle to create break opportunities for themselves. Anderson has only won 18% of all return games this year. Compare this to Djokovic’s staggering 34% and we see why Djokovic is the best returner in the world. However with someone like Anderson, one break is really all that’s needed to close out a set. The head to head is 4-1, meaning Anderson has the ability to defeat Djokovic.

Anderson’s ground game has improved this year (especially off the backhand wing) and will be able to fire winners early on in rallies. The grass court neutralizes Djokovic’s defensive acumen a bit and should help Anderson to keep the rallies short. Quick fire shots combined with Anderson’s booming serve could be the key to upsetting the World No.1. At the very minimum, I expect Anderson to make it a tough 3 sets for Djokovic.

Twitter

Kevin Anderson has continued his good form on grass. He's beaten Leonardo Mayer in 3 sets #Wimbledon #bbctennis pic.twitter.com/pH2dO8WiwW — BBC Tennis (@bbctennis) July 3, 2015

World No.1 #Djokovic is thru to R16 here for 7th straight year w/6-3 6-3 6-3 win over Tomic. He meets Anderson next. pic.twitter.com/iDbp6rHVFg — ESPNTennis (@ESPNTennis) July 3, 2015