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(Note: This Biofile interview was done in Delray Beach in February 2011.)

By Scoop Malinowski

Status: Winner of one ATP singles title – 2011 in Johannesburg. Career wins over Djokovic, Querrey.

Ht: 6-7 Wt: 202

DOB: May 18, 1986 In: Johannesburg, South Africa

Hobbies/Interests: “Outdoor adventuring, reading.”

First Tennis Memory: “Probably hitting on the wall that my father bought at our home, in the garden.”

Tennis Idol: “Pete Sampras. He was such an inspiration and I loved watching him play. In fact I was lucky enough in 2008 to be invited to have lunch with him at his house in Beverly Hills. It was a great feeling for me.”

Musical Tastes: “Rap, Eminem, Classic 80’s and even a little 70’s, Abba.”

Nicknames: “Kev Dog and Kevo.”

Favorite Sport Outside of Tennis: “Since I played college tennis at Illinois I became an (American) football fan when I was in school there. Also I am a big Chicago Bears fan and try to catch their games when I am traveling and during the off season.”

Dream Doubles Partner: “Well I guess maybe someone who plays a similar style of tennis to me. A big hitter. Actually, though, maybe I would just want to play with Federer. (How about mixed doubles?) Hmmm, I don’t want to just give the expected answer here. Maybe I shouldn’t answer this one.”

Pre-match Feeling: “Sometimes I listen to music or just try to stay relaxed and positive.”

Closest Tennis Friends: “Well I am close to all the South African guys even though I don’t get to see them as much now. Also Ryler DeHeart, who I played with at Illinois, Michael Russell and Somdev Devvarman who is a very good sportsman. I like all the Americans really but it’s tough to have very close friends on the Tour because they are all your competitors at the end of the day.”

Greatest Sports Moment: “Winning my first tournament in Johannesburg. Home crowd and just being in South Africa was great.”

Most Painful Moment: “In a couple of Grand Slams, they’re always big tournaments, sometimes I’ve been up a couple of sets and up in the match and haven’t been able to get through. So you just have to let go of those and move on.”

Favorite Tournaments: “Probably Australian Open is always fun. U.S. Open as well. But all the ATP tournaments, they really do a nice job.”

Funniest Players Encountered: “It’s hard. You’re out there, you’re competing so hard, there hasn’t been too many times when that kind of humor shows.”

Embarrassing Tennis Memory: “I lost to Nadal love and love when I was around 13 years old, so [laughs] maybe I’ll get my revenge on him someday.”

People Qualities Most Admired: “I think the favorite people that I’ve looked up to were probably the guys who really excelled, like Tiger Woods or Roger Federer in our sport. The way they handle all the expectations. It’s really not easy and for them to do so for such a lengthy period of time is really one thing that I find quite inspiring.”

POSTSCRIPT: Anderson has won three ATP singles titles.

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