Kevin Anderson has been knocked in the first round at this year’s US Open in New York.
The 34-year-old lost out to world number seven Alexander Zverev in a four-sets battle that lasted just over three hours at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, and ended in a 7-6 (7-2) 5-7 6-3 7-5 victory for the fifth seeded German.
Anderson, a US Open finalist in 2017 – where he was beating by Rafael Nadal, and a 2018 Wimbledon runner-up following his defeat to Novak Djokovic, has struggled with injuries in recent seasons which have also seen him undergo two knee surgeries.
And the 6ft 8’s rankings have since been taking a downward slid to currently lie at 117 in the world.
Zverev’s win was his sixth over Anderson, as he has never lost to the South African.
“I am actually quite happy with a first round like that,” Zverev said after the match. “Kevin is not someone you usually play in a first round. This is a fourth round, quarter-final, semi-final match normally against him. I am extremely happy to be through.”
Another African, Egypt’s Mohamed Safwat also suffered defeat in this men’s singles at this year’s US Open, losing 6-1 6-4 6-4 against Frances Gilles Simon.
But there was victory for Anderson’s fellow countryman Llyod Harris after the 23-year-old saw-off Italy’s Marco Cecchinato in three straight sets 6-4 7-5 6-2.
South Africa’s Harris will face Belgian seventh seed and world number 10 David Goffin in the second round.