New York: Kevin Anderson spoiled the American party at the US Open when the big-serving South African beat local favourite Sam Querrey 7-6(7-5), 6-7(7-9), 6-3, 7-6(7-5) to reach the first Grand Slam semifinal of his career here Tuesday.
The 17th-seeded Querrey can only blame himself for a meltdown in the first set tie-break, where he lost five points in a row to allow Anderson into the lead under the lights on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The 31-year-old Anderson, seeded 28th, will face Spanish 12th seed Pablo Carreno Busta for a spot in Sunday’s final. The Spaniard blasted 30 winners in his 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 demolition of Argentine Diego Schwartzman.
“This is incredible, at this stage and playing on one of the most famous courts in the world, it feels absolutely fantastic,” said Anderson, who became the first South African player to reach the last four of the US Open since tennis turned professional in 1968. “Losing the second set was really tough but I played each point at a time and it paid big dividends for me today (Tuesday).”
Querrey on the other hand lamented for failing to utilise the chances that came his way. “I had my opportunities and I did not capitalise on them. But there can be no doubt that Kevin was the better player on the day,” said Querrey.
